A U.S. federal judge ruled on Thursday that incarcerated R&B singer, Robert “R” Kelly will be moved to a New York City facility in preparation for his trial which will begin late this summer. This comes after several pandemic related delays.
Kelly’s trial, where he faces sex-trafficking and racketeering charges, was re-scheduled for the fourth time earlier in April. It was been moved back another 4 months.
Judge Rules Robert “R” Kelly Will Be Moved to New York For Sex-Trafficking Trial.
It is alleged the 54-year-old ran a criminal enterprise, recruiting women and underage girls for illegal sexual contact, as well as isolating and threatening these girls and women to keep them under his control.
The trial in a Brooklyn federal court will now go forward on August 9. This ruling came after a virtual hearing where a U.S. District judge assured lawyers that Covid protections in the courthouse are in place.
The judge also decided that preparations for Kelly’s transfer should start to be made. It is believed he will be moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn sooner rather than later.
The trial in New York City will revolve around the ‘enterprise’ made up of Kelly’s managers, bodyguards and other employees who, led by Kelly, recruited women and girls for sex. A jury will hear testimony from alleged victims, each identified only as “Jane Doe.”
Kelly has pleaded not guilty to all charges here and for his potential separate trial back in Chicago this fall. That federal case is related to an immense sex crimes investigation including allegations that the singer conspired with former employees to rig his 2008 child pornography trial by paying off witnesses and victims so they would change their testimonies.
Kelly, who has received his Covid vaccine, is currently being held without bail in a Chicago federal prison. His older brother, Bruce Kelly is in jail in the same state. Bruce has an extensive rap sheet and is currently serving 2-4 years for burglary.
A lawyer for R. Kelly said his client is “looking forward to the trial”.
For any other soap opera and entertainment news, please visit again Daily Soap Dish. Don’t forget to visit TVRocker for all of the latest exciting news on all of your favorite daytime television soaps.
