Judge to set trial date in February in Robert Miller sex crimes case
A judge has adjourned the criminal case against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller after he was recently charged with new sexual offences involving a minor.
Following a hearing on Thursday, Miller's lawyers and the Crown prosecutor are expected to return to court in February to set a date for a trial.
The 81-year-old was arrested in May on 21 sex-related charges involving 10 complainants. On Thursday, he was arraigned on three additional counts of sexual interference, sexual exploitation and procuring sexual services from a girl who was under 14 at the time of the alleged events.
According to his doctor, he is in the final stage of Parkinson's disease but the court heard his health won't be a factor in the prosecution's case, which alleged he had sex with 11 underage girls between 1994 and 2016.
"The job of a Crown prosecutor is to take decisions in the public interest. So, at each decision that a Crown prosecutor takes, they have the public interest in mind. And, of course, there's always a careful balancing of all the factors that need to be taken into consideration. and in this new file, the Crown prosecutors, including me, have decided to file new charges," said prosecutor Delphine Mauger.
Despite the passage of time, the alleged victims are ready to face Miller.
"Well, as any file involving criminal sexual crimes, we always have very honest conversations with the victim and make sure they have all the information they need to take a decision to move forward or not," Mauger added.
Miller is the founder and former president of Future Electronics.
Radio-Canada aired an investigative report two years ago claiming the billionaire ran a carefully orchestrated system of recruiting young girls, and spoiling them with money and gifts in exchange for sex.
The alleged victims went to police soon after, but the prosecution never laid any charges at the time.
Teresita Fuentes, a 67-year-old woman, was also charged as an alleged accomplice.
Miller is also facing similar allegations in a proposed class-action lawsuit seeking monetary damages.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We can live our lives again without worrying': Ontario man relieved after insurance company agrees to pay $620,000 hospital bill
An Ontario man who received a $620,000 medical bill from a Florida hospital is now relieved that his insurance company has reversed its decision and decided to pay the bill.
Mark Carney tells Jon Stewart the Liberal party has 'a chance' after Trudeau's resignation
Days ahead of his expected Liberal leadership campaign launch, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to step down boosts the party's chance in the next general election.
'It's not going to be good': Ford says Trump's tariffs could cost Ontario 500,000 jobs
Premier Doug Ford says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs on Canadian goods could result in the loss of 500,000 jobs in Ontario, creating the need for billions of dollars in stimulus spending.
Curler Briane Harris not at fault for anti-doping rule violation, provisional ban lifted
Canadian curler Briane Harris is eligible to return to the sport after an absence of nearly one year.
Calgary homeowner faces challenge after property assessment jumps 60%
Stan Valant, a long-time resident of Calgary's Silver Springs, is baffled by the city's recent assessment of his bi-level home.
Harm reduction advocates hope high court will 'clarify' Canada's 'Good Samaritan' law
Canada's Good Samaritan law, which is meant to shield people from arrest after they seek help for someone in medical distress, is under spotlight in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Michelle Obama will not attend Trump's inauguration
Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.
Why is Spain considering a 100 per cent tax on homes bought by non-EU residents?
Spain is planning a raft of measures to address its brewing housing crisis, including an up to 100% tax on properties bought by non-European Union residents.
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, officials say
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday. Mediator Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the "closest point" yet to sealing a deal that would bring them a step closer to ending the war.