A federal judge in New York has determined that Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is not competent to stand trial on charges related to sex trafficking due to his severe mental health issues, including Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia. Jeffries' lawyers and prosecutors both agreed he should be hospitalized in a federal facility to potentially improve his mental state. His inability to understand the legal proceedings or assist in his defense led to this decision, and he has been out on a $10 million bond since pleading not guilty. The charges stem from allegations that Jeffries and his associates used promises of modeling jobs to lure men into drug-fueled sex parties. Despite his legal team's assertion that his mental condition is irreversible, the court has ordered his hospitalization for up to four months to evaluate any possible improvement in his competency.

Michael Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, has been deemed unfit to stand trial for sex trafficking charges due to mental incompetency, as diagnosed by multiple medical professionals.

Jeffries is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and effects from a traumatic brain injury, all contributing to his inability to comprehend court proceedings or aid in his defense.

Both the defense and prosecution agreed to hospitalize Jeffries in a federal facility under the Bureau of Prisons, hoping his condition might improve enough to stand trial.

Judge Nusrat Choudhury's ruling is based on substantial evidence of Jeffries' mental health issues, which are considered progressive and incurable by his medical team.

The charges against him involve allegations of using modeling job offers to draw men into drug-fueled sex parties, a scheme reportedly orchestrated with his partner and another co-defendant.

Jeffries pleaded not guilty to the federal charges in October and has been released on a $10 million bond while the legal process unfolds.

Despite the severity of the accusations, the court has focused on the challenge of his cognitive decline, ordering hospitalization to assess any potential for regaining competency.