Robert Miller Deemed Too Ill for Sex Crime Trial Cases Continue

Montreal billionaire Robert Miller, who faced 24 charges related to sex crimes against 11 women, many of them minors at the time of the alleged offenses, has been deemed unfit to stand trial. The decision was handed down by Quebec Superior Court Justice Lyne Décarie on Tuesday, citing Miller’s advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease and other serious health complications.

Miller, 81, is reportedly bedridden, incontinent, and requires constant nursing care, including oxygen support and medication every 90 minutes. His limited ability to communicate—only able to say two to four words at a time—was a key factor in the court’s conclusion that proceeding with the trial would violate his constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Criminal Proceedings Permanently Stayed

Justice Décarie stressed that the stay of proceedings is not an acquittal, but rather a permanent halt to the criminal trial due to exceptional medical circumstances. Miller had never appeared in court prior to this week, but joined Monday’s hearing via video.

The Crown, which agreed with the stay request, stated that continuing would be unjust to jurors and witnesses, given there’s no realistic chance of completing the trial. The trial was expected to last up to three months.

Ongoing Civil Cases and Class Action

While the criminal case is now closed, Miller still faces two civil lawsuits, including a class action with over 50 plaintiffs. That case, authorized by the Quebec Superior Court, continues to move forward, with written testimony from Miller already submitted. His legal team is appealing the class action authorization.

According to Jeff Orenstein, lawyer for the class action plaintiffs, “This is just about financial justice now. That process is ongoing and unaffected.”

Background and Initial Investigation

Miller was first investigated by Montreal police in 2008–2009, but no charges were filed at the time. He was arrested in 2024, following a Radio-Canada and CBC investigation that uncovered claims he gave cash and gifts to minors in exchange for sex between 1994 and 2006.

The alleged crimes span from 1994 to 2016, and Miller consistently denied all allegations, pleading not guilty.

A separate case involving a woman alleged to have helped procure victims for Miller is still active. In June 2024, Montreal police arrested Teresita Fuentes, who is accused of recruiting girls for Miller.

Prosecutors Urge Victims Not to Lose Faith

Chief prosecutor Dominique Potvin acknowledged the disappointment many may feel but praised the victims’ courage. “They were believed. Their determination was not in vain,” he said. Prosecutors maintain that the evidence would have supported a reasonable prospect of conviction, had a trial been possible.

Crown attorney Delphine Mauger added that charges were only brought once there was sufficient evidence, reinforcing that the case was handled with diligence.

How do you feel about the court’s decision to stay proceedings due to illness? Should civil cases carry more weight in situations like this? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/judge-rule-whether-montreal-billionaire-222046126.html
• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-judge-rules-montreal-billionaire-robert-miller-is-too-ill-to-stand
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/robert-miller-stay-of-proceedings-1.7557165