Ex-CEO's Prison Tape: 'Find me incompetent!'

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries, 81, is undergoing a three-day mental competency hearing in Central Islip, New York, as he faces sex-trafficking charges. His defense team presented testimony from a defense psychologist, Jacqueline C. Valdes, who referenced a prison tape from last year. On the tape, Jeffries allegedly told doctors, "You better find me incompetent." Valdes testified that this statement, along with other behaviors like using offensive language with prison staff, demonstrates disinhibited behavior consistent with dementia.

The defense argues that Jeffries has a ten-year history of severe cognitive impairment stemming from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. They contend that his erratic behavior, exacerbated by a 2018 fall in South Africa, makes him unable to stand trial. Prosecutors, however, maintain Jeffries is competent, citing their own doctors' evaluations and over 100 recorded phone calls made during his four-month prison stay.

Jeffries, along with co-defendants Matthew Smith and James T. Jacobson, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and interstate prostitution charges. They face potential life sentences if convicted. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin on October 26. The prosecution plans to present expert testimony and play sections of the prison tape during the hearing.