Ron Jeremy's trial has been postponed again, with the latest hearing at the mental health courthouse resulting in a continuation until July 27. This marks another delay in the criminal case, which has been at a standstill since March.
The postponement hearing took place on Tuesday, with Jeremy's attorney, Stuart Goldfarb, confirming the new date to XBIZ. The case's progression has been impacted by concerns regarding Jeremy's ability to participate in court proceedings.
Case Background and Previous Delays
The criminal case against Ron Jeremy has been on hold since March 17, following a decision by presiding Judge George Lomeli. This decision came after Judge Lomeli received reports from both Goldfarb and the bailiff indicating that Jeremy was "incoherent" and could not be transported to court.
Following these reports, Judge Lomeli referred the case to a mental health courthouse. The judge recommended that psychiatrists from both sides conduct evaluations to determine Jeremy's competency to stand trial. The findings of these mental health evaluations were initially expected by April 19 for a hearing in LA Criminal Court.
Jeremy, whose real name is Ronald Hyatt, is currently awaiting trial in Los Angeles. He has remained in jail since his arrest in June 2020. The charges against him stem from an August 2021 grand jury indictment.
After the indictment was returned, Jeremy pleaded not guilty to a total of 34 charges. These include 12 counts of forcible rape, seven counts of forcible oral copulation, six counts of sexual battery by restraint, and four counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object. Additionally, he faces two counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious or asleep person, and one count each of lewd act upon a child under the age of 14 or 15, sodomy by use of force, and assault with intent to commit rape. Some of these allegations reportedly stretch back 40 years.
XBIZ previously reported on the 21 accusations that form the Los Angeles County district attorney's case against Jeremy. This detailed account, published last year, remains the only comprehensive journalistic account of the testimonies given before the grand jury in August 2021.
Mental Health Concerns and Legal Strategy
The reports of Jeremy's "incoherent" state emerged when bailiffs attempted to retrieve him from his cell for a court appearance. After a 45-minute wait and subsequent delays, Stuart Goldfarb checked on his client. Goldfarb reported that Jeremy was unable to recognize him.
Goldfarb informed the judge in court that he "tried to get his attention – unsuccessfully" and that Jeremy "was unable to determine who I was." Following this information from the attorney, Judge George Lomeli referred Jeremy to Hollywood Mental Health Court and ordered his transfer. The hearing at that time was also postponed, and the judge did not rule on a separate legal team request.
Jeremy's legal team has argued for splitting the sexual assault charges into 21 different trials. Their motivation for seeking separate trials stems from arguments that the sheer number and severe nature of some of the allegations, which include drugging women, necessitate individual trials. They have also contended that prosecuting all charges in a single trial would constitute a civil rights violation against Jeremy.
The current postponement until July 27 continues the period of uncertainty surrounding Jeremy's competency to stand trial, a critical factor in the progression of the criminal proceedings.
Key Facts
- Ron Jeremy's psych hearing has been postponed to July 27.
- The latest hearing at the mental health courthouse earlier this week resulted in the continuation.
- Jeremy's attorney, Stuart Goldfarb, confirmed the new date to XBIZ.
- The criminal case has been at a standstill since Judge George Lomeli's March 17 decision to suspend proceedings.
- Judge Lomeli referred the case to a mental health courthouse after reports that Jeremy was "incoherent" and could not be transported to court.
- Jeremy has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges, including 12 counts of forcible rape, following an August 2021 grand jury indictment.
