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Ex-CEO's Fitness for Trial Debated Amid Sex Trafficking Charges
11 Dec
Summary
- Former Abercrombie CEO Jeffries faces sex trafficking charges.
- Previous ruling deemed him unfit for trial due to Alzheimer's.
- Prosecutors now claim he has been restored to competency.
Michael S. Jeffries, the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, stands accused of operating an international sex-trafficking ring. Prosecutors recently declared that Mr. Jeffries, 81, is now fit to stand trial, contradicting an earlier judicial finding. This previous ruling stated he was unfit due to Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body disease, and a traumatic brain injury.
Following the May ruling, Mr. Jeffries was hospitalized to assess his condition. However, recent evaluations conducted from July to November at a North Carolina federal prison suggest a restoration of competency. These findings were presented to Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury in Federal District Court.
Mr. Jeffries's legal team maintains his incompetence to face trial. A hearing is scheduled for March, where medical experts are expected to testify regarding his physical and mental state. He was arrested in October 2024 and pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
