Full Breakdown
Former Abercrombie CEO Declared Competent to Face Sex-Trafficking Trial
8/22/2026, 2:37:01 AM
Core Event
U.S. District Judge Nusrat Choudhury ruled that Michael S. Jeffries, the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, is mentally competent to stand trial on federal sex-trafficking and interstate-prostitution charges. The decision overturns an earlier finding of incompetence and sets the trial to begin on Oct. 26.
Background & Context
Jeffries led Abercrombie & Fitch from roughly 1992 to 2014, reshaping the brand into a teen-fashion staple. In October 2024, federal prosecutors charged Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith, and alleged recruiter James Jacobson with operating a global sex-trafficking operation that recruited young men between 2008 and 2015. The scheme allegedly promised modeling opportunities, then used drugs and alcohol to coerce sexual acts at “sex events” in locations such as New York City, the Hamptons, England and Morocco.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Jeffries faces one count of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution (court filing).
- Co-defendants: Matthew Smith and James Jacobson face identical charges.
- Age: Jeffries is 82; Smith is 62; Jacobson is 73.
- Bond: All three are under house arrest on a $10 million bond each.
- Evidence: Over 109 recorded phone calls made during a four-month medical-facility stay were reviewed, totaling more than 21 hours of audio.
Official Statements & Responses
She highlighted his ability to learn new information auditorily, recall details days later, and engage in strategic discussion with counsel. To accommodate his age and cognitive impairments, the court ordered trial days from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with mandatory morning review of transcripts and two to three 15-minute breaks each day.
Prosecutors emphasized that many victims were financially vulnerable, some as young as 19, and that “some of the men they recruited had previously worked at Abercrombie stores or modeled for Abercrombie” “Some of the men they recruited had previously worked at Abercrombie stores or modeled for Abercrombie.” — Prosecutors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the calls, Jeffries is a fluent conversational partner and shows that he has the ability to learn new information auditorily,” — Judge Choudhury
- “To be clear, Jeffries is competent to proceed regardless of these accommodations,” — Judge Choudhury
- “Jeffries is significantly more intelligent and functions at a far higher level than other defendants who have been found competent across the country,” — Nusrat Choudhury, judge
- “His presentation and responses in evaluations following his commitment to Butner and his phone calls show that he understands the structure of the criminal legal system, courtroom procedures, the functions of the various participants, the nature and purpose of the proceedings, and key legal concepts,” — Nusrat Choudhury, judge
- “Some of the men they recruited had previously worked at Abercrombie stores or modeled for Abercrombie.” — Prosecutors
What’s Next
The jury selection and trial are scheduled to commence on Oct. 26 in the Eastern District of New York, Long Island. The court will continue to provide the accommodations outlined by Judge Choudhury throughout the proceedings.
