A federal judge is set to hear evidence this week as to whether former Reynolds and Reynolds Co. CEO Bob Brockman is able to assist in his defense against charges of tax evasion.
Defense lawyers say Brockman is unable to do so because he has progressive dementia, while prosecutors say he has faked his symptoms to avoid prosecution. A competency hearing is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 15, in U.S. District Court in Houston, after twice being delayed this year.
Lawyers for Brockman, 80, contend that he is unable to assist with his defense after receiving a diagnosis indicative of Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia, which has hindered his ability to retain and process information.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, assert that Brockman is malingering, or feigning illness. They have noted that Brockman continued to lead Reynolds, the privately held dealership management system giant, until after he was indicted in October 2020, and after his lawyers said his symptoms appeared.