Imprisoned and disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly recently requested his release from prison due to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Now, a judge has denied that request, telling the singer he has yet to demonstrate that he won't obstruct justice by fleeing his many charges.
Judge Ann M. Donnelly rejected Kelly's request earlier today in a Brooklyn courthouse after the singer's lawyers filed for temporary release last month, citing his age as a risk factor for contracting COVID-19. R. Kelly is 53 years old.
"The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses," Donnelly wrote in the order, denying Kelly's request. "The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed."
The judge added: "While I am sympathetic to the defendant's understandable anxiety about COVID-19, he has not established compelling reasons warranting his release."
R. Kelly will remain in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago while he awaits trial for his numerous charges related to his history of alleged sexual misconduct. Kelly has denied all allegations against him so far.
See the court documents below.
Judge Ann M. Donnelly rejected Kelly's request earlier today in a Brooklyn courthouse after the singer's lawyers filed for temporary release last month, citing his age as a risk factor for contracting COVID-19. R. Kelly is 53 years old.
"The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses," Donnelly wrote in the order, denying Kelly's request. "The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed."
The judge added: "While I am sympathetic to the defendant's understandable anxiety about COVID-19, he has not established compelling reasons warranting his release."
R. Kelly will remain in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago while he awaits trial for his numerous charges related to his history of alleged sexual misconduct. Kelly has denied all allegations against him so far.
See the court documents below.