New York Court Evaluates Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries for Sex Trafficking Trial Competency

Competency review becomes central pretrial issue

A federal court in New York is weighing whether former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive Mike Jeffries is mentally able to stand trial on sex trafficking allegations. Jeffries is 81, and the question of competency has moved to the forefront after recordings from his prison phone calls surfaced in court proceedings.

Hearings on Long Island wrapped up this week, with medical specialists testifying about Jeffries’ cognitive state. US District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury is expected to issue a decision in May on whether he is competent for trial.

What the defense and prosecutors told the court

Jeffries’ lawyers argue he should not be tried because he has dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They also presented expert testimony that referenced a traumatic brain injury and described observations of disinhibited behavior.

Prosecutors, however, told the court that Jeffries’ condition has improved. They pointed to recorded calls between Jeffries and his partner, Matthew Smith, that they say indicate an effort to be found incompetent.

Recorded calls and prior competency findings

In the calls cited in court, Jeffries reportedly expressed concern about being deemed fit for trial, calling that outcome a “disaster” and saying, “you better find me incompetent.” Prosecutors also highlighted calls in which Jeffries discussed plans for international travel while under house arrest, arguing that the conversations show awareness of his legal situation.

The competency dispute has shifted over time. Jeffries was previously found incompetent in May, then spent four months in a federal prison mental health unit, after which prison officials determined in December that he was fit to proceed.

Charges, co-defendants, and what comes next

The case involves Jeffries, Smith (62), and James Jacobson (73), who prosecutors accuse of running a worldwide sex trafficking and prostitution operation. All three have pleaded not guilty, and the charges carry a potential maximum penalty of life in prison.

The trial is scheduled for October, with Jeffries expected to appear alongside Smith and Jacobson. Whether that timetable holds depends on the judge’s May ruling and any subsequent legal steps tied to the competency finding.