A lawyer for former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries claims his client suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which may impact his ability to stand trial for sex trafficking and prostitution charges. Attorney Brian H. Bieber filed court documents stating that Jeffries’ condition may affect his “competency” in the case.
Jeffries, 80, is charged with luring men into sex parties under false pretenses, including modeling jobs at Abercrombie & Fitch. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations and a competency hearing is scheduled for June.
Authorities believe there are dozens of victims involved in the alleged scheme, which took place between 2008 and 2015. The investigation is ongoing.
Abercrombie & Fitch was previously sued over allegations that Jeffries operated a sex trafficking ring and exploited young men who hoped to become models for the company. Jeffries left the company in 2014 after its performance declined, with a retirement package valued at around $25 million.
The timing of Jeffries’ alleged health issues has raised concerns among attorneys representing the victims, who claim it is suspicious and may be an attempt to delay the trial.
Source: https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/lawyer-abercrombie-ceo-dementia