Sex crimes case of Montreal billionaire Robert Miller put off until December

Lawyers representing Montreal billionaire Robert Miller requested a delay in his sex crimes case during a hearing on Tuesday, citing concerns about his frail health, which they claim complicates discussions about the Crown's evidence.

The 81-year-old founder of Future Electronics was arrested in May on 21 sex-related charges involving 10 complainants, many of whom were minors during the alleged offences, which took place between 1994 and 2016. One of the alleged victims was under 14 years old at the time.

Miller, who has denied the allegations, faces charges including sexual assault, sexual interference, enticing someone to commit prostitution, sexual exploitation, and sexual intercourse for consideration with a minor.

In Quebec court, Crown attorney Myriam Corbeil informed Judge Mélanie Hébert that she was prepared to set a trial date, estimating that the case against Miller would require approximately five weeks.

Miller's defence team requested the postponement, explaining that their client is extremely ill and bedridden, making it difficult to review the evidence with him.

"We are still in what we call the intake phase," said lawyer Isabella Teolis in court. "Baby steps doesn’t begin to describe the situation."

Judge Hébert rescheduled the case for December 12. Defence attorneys Teolis and Nicholas St-Jacques are also awaiting further evidence disclosure and intend to review the documents before deciding whether to request a jury trial or a judge-alone trial.

Corbeil stated that the case is primarily based on testimonial evidence, asserting that the additional disclosure will not alter the core of the Crown’s case.

Miller is currently battling Parkinson's disease. St-Jacques mentioned that if they were to review the volume of evidence with Miller full-time, it would take about two and a half months, which is impractical given his health condition.

In June, a Quebec Superior Court judge declined to hear a request for a stay of proceedings, indicating that the determination of Miller's capacity to stand trial would be made by a trial judge.

Additional Allegations

Miller resigned as chairman and CEO of Future Electronics in February 2023, stating he would focus on safeguarding his reputation and addressing his health issues. He is also facing separate allegations in a proposed class-action lawsuit from dozens of women who claim he provided them with money and gifts in exchange for sex when they were minors, between 1996 and 2006. Up to 50 alleged victims are involved in this lawsuit, with a hearing for authorization anticipated in the coming months or early 2025. Miller has denied these charges, which have yet to be adjudicated in court.

The Tuesday hearing also addressed the case against Teresita Fuentes, who is alleged to be an accomplice of Miller. Fuentes, 67, faces a charge of procuring sexual services related to one of Miller's alleged victims. Her lawyer, Valerie Abdelahad-Acosta, informed the court that Fuentes is also experiencing health issues and is scheduled for surgery. Fuentes resides at the same address as Miller.

While Fuentes' case is separate from Miller's, it is part of the same police investigation. Corbeil stated that the Crown is prepared to proceed with a three-day trial for Fuentes.

Both Miller and Fuentes’ defence attorneys declined to comment following the joint court hearing. Both cases are set to return to court on December 12.