Advertisement

Updated April 8th, 2020 at 08:40 IST

Judge: R Kelly must remain locked up amid Coronavirus crisis

A federal judge in New York on Tuesday denied R&B singer R. Kelly’s request for release from jail in Chicago because he was concerned he could contract the Coronavirus while behind bars.

| Image:self
Advertisement

A federal judge in New York on Tuesday denied R&B singer R. Kelly’s request for release from jail in Chicago because he was concerned he could contract the coronavirus while behind bars.

“The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses,” U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly of Brooklyn wrote in her denial. “The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed.”

The 53-year-old Kelly has been in custody in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago since he was indicted on federal child pornography, obstruction of justice and racketeering charges.

Three staff members at the federal lockup have tested positive for the virus, but no inmates have been reported with infections. Cases have been reported at Cook County Jail in Chicago and other jails and prisons around the country. Kelly’s attorneys filed a motion in late March arguing that people in such facilities are at particular risk of contracting the virus.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn said the Chicago lockup and other federal facilities have taken steps to prevent the virus from spreading. Further, they wrote that a “generalized risk” that an inmate could contract the virus doesn’t justify their release.

Kelly has denied ever abusing anyone and has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. He faces several dozen counts of state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York, from sexual assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls.

Advertisement

Published April 8th, 2020 at 08:40 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

No Makeup Makeup Look With Only Skincare
a few seconds ago
Congress Press Conference
5 minutes ago
US Federal Reserve
5 minutes ago
Virat Kohli keeps a close watch on Gautam Gambhir
5 minutes ago
Airbrush Brow Trend: Know Its Benefits, Procedure, And More
9 minutes ago
Federal Reserve interest rate decision
10 minutes ago
Khushi Kapoor
10 minutes ago
 Development is BJP's Main Agenda Says Kangana Ranaut As She Launches Campaign In Mandi
12 minutes ago
Dog walking tips
12 minutes ago
Vijay Varma
13 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo