A federal judge ruled that Mike Jeffries, the former chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch accused of sexually abusing male models, is mentally competent to stand trial on sex-trafficking charges.
Jeffries had claimed he was suffering from severe dementia and was unfit to proceed to trial. He was arrested in 2024 and charged with running an international sex-trafficking ring while he was Abercrombie's CEO, according to a federal indictment that listed 15 John Doe victims.
U.S. District Judge Nusrat Choudhury said in her ruling that the 82-year-old demonstrated an ability to understand legal concepts and communicate effectively with his counsel.
A lawyer for Jeffries didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Prosecutors allege that Jeffries used his status to coerce aspiring models into having sex with him and his romantic partner. From 2008 to 2015, Jeffries allegedly pressured models into attending sex parties in locations around the world, paid men for their involvement and misled some of them into thinking they were attending modeling shoots, according to the original indictment.
In an April 2025 court filing, a psychiatrist hired by the defense found that Jeffries was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders requiring round-the-clock care. An expert selected by prosecutors also found that Jeffries was suffering from dementia that will "almost certainty worsen over time."
Jeffries was committed to a federal medical center for a competency-restoration period and underwent subsequent evaluations by prosecution and defense experts. A four-day competency hearing was held earlier this year.
Judge Choudhury said her decision was influenced by audio recordings of phone calls and expert testimony showing Jeffries possesses sufficient cognitive function to participate in his defense.
The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Oct. 26. The court will institute accommodations for Jeffries's age and potential for fatigue, including shortened days and frequent breaks.