Story perspectives

Judge Finds Michael Jeffries Competent for Sex-Trafficking Trial

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Judge Nusrat Choudhury ruled former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries competent to stand trial.
The trial is set for Oct. 26, 2026 with jury selection in New York.
Jeffries faces over a dozen federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson also pleaded not guilty.
Jeffries remains under house arrest in Florida on a $10 million bond.

History

Historical Context

Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 federal case collapsed after his August 10, 2019 suicide, ending a prosecution that revived the 2008 plea deal negotiated by U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta and listed 33 alleged victims with a $10 million forfeiture claim. Southern District of New York Judge Nusrat Choudhury affirmed former Abercrombie CEO Michael Jeffries’ competence, scheduling his October 26, 2026 trial, reflecting a shift toward stricter enforcement of corporate misconduct.

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Story summary

U.S. Judge Nusrat Choudhury ruled former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries competent to stand trial.
The trial is set for Oct. 26, 2026 with jury selection in New York.
Jeffries faces over a dozen federal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
Partner Matthew Smith and alleged middleman James Jacobson also pleaded not guilty.
Jeffries remains under house arrest in Florida on a $10 million bond.

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