A forensic psychologist for the federal prison system testified on Thursday that Michael Jeffries, the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, is mentally competent to stand trial on sex trafficking charges. The testimony came during a weeklong competency hearing before US District Judge Nusrat J. Chowdhury in Central Islip, New York.
Jeffries, 81, faces charges alongside his partner, Matthew Smith, and a former employee, James Jacobson, related to alleged abuse of aspiring models at events in the Hamptons and luxury hotels worldwide. All three have pleaded not guilty and face a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted.
Competency Hearing Enters Third Day
Dr. Tracy O'Connor Pennuto, the federal prison system's only forensic neuropsychologist, stated that Jeffries was "logical," "jovial," and often humorous during two days of evaluation last year. She testified that he performed "better than probably 90% of the patients that we assess for competency."
Pennuto's assessment directly contradicts the defense's claim that Jeffries suffers from major cognitive impairment due to progressing Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. She found he does not display the significant memory loss or lack of function associated with Alzheimer's.
Defense Presents Case for Impairment
Earlier in the hearing, three defense witnesses testified that brain scans and assessments show Jeffries' brain is atrophying. A defense psychiatrist cited the ex-CEO repeatedly giving "1962" as his answer for his high school, college, and graduate school graduation years.
More critically, the defense experts argued Jeffries cannot understand or name the charges against him and is prone to profanity and outbursts. "There was no sense of gravity. His demeanor was like he was at some sort of cocktail party," defense psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Bardey told the court on Wednesday.
Contrasting Behavioural Accounts
Pennuto acknowledged Jeffries called her "bitch" and "girl" during interviews and cursed when frustrated by difficult test questions. However, she characterized this as him "purposefully testing the limits and enjoying it," adding that "he was able to inhibit that behaviour" when asked.
She also noted Jeffries successfully managed his commissary account and phone time during a four-month stay in a North Carolina prison mental health unit, demonstrating functional capability.
Background and Next Steps
Michael Jeffries was CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 until his retirement in 2014, overseeing its rise with provocative marketing. Prosecutors allege that in his final eight years, he used his wealth and power to abuse dozens of men at drug-fueled "sex events."
The competency hearing, originally scheduled for three days, is now set to continue on Friday. Judge Chowdhury, who will also preside over the October trial, has not indicated when she will rule on whether Jeffries is fit to stand trial. The core legal question is whether he understands the charges and can assist in his own defense.