In a significant development that has sent ripples through Quebec’s legal community, tech magnate Robert Miller has been deemed too ill to stand trial on multiple sexual assault charges involving minors, according to court documents filed this week. The 80-year-old founder of Future Electronics, once valued at over $1.5 billion, was scheduled to face allegations dating back decades but will now see his case postponed indefinitely as medical evaluations continue.
Medical experts appointed by both prosecution and defense have concluded that Miller suffers from a combination of cognitive impairment and physical ailments that render him currently unfit to participate in legal proceedings. Dr. Renée Fugère, a psychiatrist assigned by the court, noted in her assessment that Miller exhibits “significant memory deficits and processing difficulties that would prevent him from meaningfully engaging with evidence or instructing counsel.”
“When an accused cannot participate in their own defense due to medical conditions, the justice system faces a profound challenge,” explained criminal law professor Martine St-Jean from the University of Montreal. “The court must balance the accused’s right to a fair trial with the public interest in seeing justice served and the victims’ need for closure.”
The allegations against Miller are particularly disturbing, involving claims from multiple women who say they were minors when Miller sexually assaulted them between 1994 and 2006. Court documents allege Miller established a system of payments to young women, some reportedly as young as 14, for sexual services. The Crown prosecutor’s office had assembled what they described as “compelling evidence” following a comprehensive investigation by Montreal police.
Miller stepped down from Future Electronics in February 2023 after investigative reporting by Radio-Canada exposed the allegations. The company, which he built into a global electronics distribution giant with over 5,000 employees worldwide, was subsequently sold to a Taiwanese firm for approximately $4.2 billion.
Victims’ advocacy groups have expressed profound disappointment with the trial delay. “These survivors have carried their trauma for decades, and now face an indefinite wait for their day in court,” said Elisabeth Rousseau of the Quebec Network of Centers for Victims of Sexual Assault. “The legal system must find a way to honor their courage in coming forward.”
Legal experts from Canada’s criminal justice system note that the court will now conduct periodic assessments of Miller’s condition, typically every six months, to determine if his capacity to stand trial has improved. Should his condition be deemed permanent, the charges could eventually be stayed, though prosecutors have indicated they will vigorously oppose any permanent dismissal.
The case highlights broader concerns about delays in Canada’s courts when dealing with elderly defendants accused of historical crimes. Similar challenges have emerged in several high-profile cases across the country, prompting calls for procedural reforms to expedite trials involving aging defendants.
As Miller’s case enters this uncertain phase, one question remains at the forefront for both legal observers and the alleged victims: In cases where time is working against the justice system, how can we balance an accused’s right to due process with society’s obligation to hear and address serious allegations before it’s too late?
