Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, 80, is facing charges in a sex-trafficking scheme allegedly orchestrated by him. His lawyer claims he suffers from Lewy body dementia and late-onset Alzheimer’s, making him unfit to stand trial. However, victims’ lawyer Brad Edwards questions the timing of this diagnosis, suggesting it may be convenient for Jeffries’ defense.
Jeffries, along with two others, is accused of coercing dozens of men into sex in exchange for modeling jobs. He faces 16 counts of exploiting young men in several countries, including New York City and Europe. Prosecutors claim the operation lasted from at least 2008 to 2015 and cost millions of dollars.
Edwards stated that he believes Jeffries’ diagnosis is suspicious and may be an attempt to avoid accountability. The competency hearing is scheduled for June 16 and 17, where a neuropsychologist will evaluate Jeffries’ mental capacity. Edwards expressed confidence in his clients’ case, stating they expect a guilty verdict and a strong message against corporate leaders engaging in sex exploitation.
The indictment alleges that Jeffries used his power and influence to traffic men for his own sexual pleasure and that of his partner, Matthew Smith. The operation involved coercing victims into having sex, supplying them with drugs and alcohol, and paying them for their services.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/25/sex-victims-question-timing-abercrombie-ex-ceo-mike-jeffries-dementia/77212530007