Ron Jeremy will reportedly be declared incompetent to stand trial for more than 30 counts of rape.
According to theLos Angeles Times, the retired adult film star, 69, whose legal name is Ronald Jeremy Hyatt, is suffering from “severe dementia” and will be declared unfit for trial on Jan. 17 and likely be placed in a state-run hospital, following allegations from at least 20 women since June 2020.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and an attorney for Hyatt did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
“As a result of the agreement of the experts, the defendant will be declared incompetent to stand trial … his prognosis for improvement is not good,” Thompson wrote.
“If he does not improve, we will not be able to try him for his crimes,” he continued. “Because criminal proceedings are suspended as long as he is incompetent, we also cannot get a guilty plea from him or discuss other measures to get justice for the victims in this case.”
Ron Jeremy.Jerod Harris/Getty
Hyatt can still be declared fit for trial in the future if his condition improves.
Some of Hyatt’s relatives reportedly suspected that he suffered from dementia before his arrest in 2020, according to the email. Experts reached their conclusion based on medical documents, as well as interviews with Hyatt, his relatives and L.A. County sheriff’s deputies who interacted with him during his incarceration.
Lianne Young, a former British adult film star and one of Hyatt’s accusers, toldThe Timesshe was “kind of numb” after hearing of the decision, noting that his indictment sparked a necessary conversation about consent in the adult film industry.
“It’s going to come down to public opinion now, and public opinion has looked at Ron like a god,” Young said. “It could be an indication to other predators or viewers of pornography that they can get away with such crimes.”
Ron Jeremy.Amy Graves/Getty
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In August 2021, Hyatt wasindicted on more than 30 counts of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1996 and victims ranging from ages 15 to 51. He pleaded not guilty and has maintained his innocence.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
