Ex-Abercrombie CEO Michael Jeffries competent for sex trafficking trial, judge rules

NEW YORK -- Former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive Michael Jeffries is competent to stand trial on sex trafficking and interstate prosecution charges, a federal judge has ruled.

Jeffries, 82, is scheduled to stand trial in October in Central Islip federal court on Long Island.

"Here, there is ample evidence - far more than a preponderance of the evidence - to show that Jeffries is competent to proceed to trial," Judge Nusrat Choishury decided. "Jeffries clearly possesses a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings to adjudicate his criminal charges."

Still, the judge said he would take more regular breaks and conduct the trial from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to give Jeffries extra time in the morning to review testimony and discuss strategy with his lawyer.