Ex‑Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Fit to Stand Trial, Prison Officials Say

On December 10, 2025, federal prison officials informed a U.S. District Court in New York that former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive officer Mike Jeffries is now competent to stand trial on federal sex trafficking charges. The letter to the court stated that Jeffries is able to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him and assist in his own defense.

Jeffries, 81, had previously been deemed mentally unfit to proceed with the case after defense filings cited Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and the effects of a traumatic brain injury. A judge had ordered him to be hospitalized for evaluation and potential treatment to restore his competency. Prison officials reported that after treatment and assessment at a federal medical facility, Jeffries is now considered fit for trial.

Jeffries is charged in connection with an indictment alleging that he, his romantic partner Matthew Smith, and co‑defendant James Jacobson used the promise of employment and modeling opportunities to lure men into drug‑fueled sex parties, conduct that federal prosecutors classify as sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors and Jeffries’ attorneys were expected to confer with U.S. District Judge Nusrat Choudhury to determine the next steps in the case following the competency report. Jeffries remains free on a multi‑million‑dollar bond while the legal process continues.