Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries has been found competent to stand trial on federal charges involving sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.
A federal judge made the ruling roughly two months before jury selection is set to begin on October 26. Eastern District of New York Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury issued a 157-page opinion, concluding there was “far more than a preponderance of the evidence” supporting the decision that Jeffries is fit to face trial.
The 82-year-old is facing a 16-count indictment that includes allegations of sex trafficking, interstate prostitution, and aiding and abetting those offenses. His romantic partner, Matthew C. Smith, is also named as a co-defendant.
The ruling overturns a May 2025 decision that determined Jeffries was mentally incompetent due to dementia. After that finding, he was placed at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, from July 21 through November 21, 2025, for competency restoration. Evaluators at the facility later determined that his competency had been restored.
Following his release, experts from both sides conducted additional evaluations, leading to a four-day competency hearing in March 2026. Judge Choudhury reviewed medical records along with testimony and reports from six expert witnesses—three representing the defense and three for the prosecution.
The judge determined that Jeffries understands the criminal justice process, courtroom procedures, and important legal concepts, including his right to testify and attorney-client privilege. She also found that he is capable of communicating effectively with his attorneys, asking appropriate questions, and retaining new information over time.
Although the court acknowledged that Jeffries has experienced some cognitive decline, Judge Choudhury ruled that it does not prevent him from understanding the proceedings or helping with his own defense. She also noted that while Jeffries initially avoided discussing the charges during much of his hospitalization, he later gained and retained enough knowledge about the allegations against him.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin October 26 in the Eastern District of New York. Prosecutors allege that Jeffries ran an international sex trafficking operation involving several male Abercrombie models during his time leading the company, which he left in December 2014 after 12 years as CEO.
