R. Kelly’s Sixth Attempt To Be Released From Jail Denied
Update: Sept. 11, 2020
Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly failed to get out of federal jail in Chicago this week, but a judge may grant him a hearing later this month.
In August, he was reportedly attcked by another inmate, prompting defense lawyers to argue for a release on bail. But on Tuesday (September 8), the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld a decision by Brooklyn federal judge Ann Donnelly that Kelly poses a flight risk.
But according to USA Today, althuogh Kelly's lawyers unsuccessfully argued that the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago where he is being held can't protect his safety, Judge Harry Leinenweber set deadlines to file new briefs on an evidentiary hearing to interrogate officials at the jail and the admitted assailant, Jeremiah Shane Farmer about what led to the attack.
He claimed in a handwritten motion that he was encouraged by MCC guards to do so. Kelly was not seriously injured.
Prosecutors have until Sept. 21 to file briefs against Kelly's release. The singer's lawyers have until Sept. 28 to file a response.
Jury selection for Kelly's first trial in New York begins Sept. 29.
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R.Kelly’s latest attempt to be released from jail has been rejected.
Kelly has remained behind bars since he was taken into federal custody in July 2019.
His team has tried several times to get him released amid the coronavirus pandemic but all of their requests have been denied.
In August, the disgraced R&B singer was reportedly attacked by a fellow inmate inside of his jail cell leading to his defense team to push for him to be released on bail. According to a TMZ report, Kelly expressed concern over his safety to prison guards three weeks prior to the attack. However, an appeals court has shut down their latest attempt as well.
On Tuesday (September 8), the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld a decision by Brooklyn federal judge Ann Donnelly that the disgraced R&B singer posed a flight risk to be released. According to the Associated Press, the appeals court determined that “no condition or combination of conditions could assure against those risks.”
His lawyer, Thomas Farinella, said they will “continue to vigorously fight for Mr. Kelly’s vindication.”
R. Kelly is currently being held at Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center without bail as he awaits trial. He is facing several sex crime charges, including child pornography, racketeering, and sex trafficking, across New York, Minnesota and Chicago. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is expected to go to trial on September 29.
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