A 3-day hearing in Central Islip is underway to determine if fashion mogul Jeffrey Jeffries, 81, is mentally competent to face sex trafficking and prostitution charges. Defense neuropsychologist Jacqueline C. Valdes claims Jeffries suffers from cognitive impairments, possibly dementia or Alzheimer’s, which would render him unfit for trial.
Valdes argues that Jeffries’ condition has worsened over the years, with a traumatic brain injury in 2018 exacerbating the issues. The defense says this makes it difficult for Jeffries to control his words and incriminate himself during potential trials. Jeffries was initially charged in December 2024 but was ruled incompetent in May 2025. However, federal prison officials later claimed his competency had been restored.
The case involves allegations that Jeffries used his influence to coerce aspiring models into sex parties for his own pleasure, along with his partner Matthew Smith and a third man, James Jacobsen. All three have pleaded not guilty and are out on bail, awaiting the outcome of this hearing.
Source: https://dailyvoice.com/ny/southampton/ex-abercrombie-ceo-michael-jeffries-told-prison-docs-to-find-him-incompetent-psychologist-says