By: Court TV Staff
R. Kelly’s third attempt to be temporarily released on bond was denied by New York Federal Court Judge Ann M. Donnelly, who considers the R&B singer a “flight risk” and possible “danger to the community.”
R. Kelly standing beside his attorney, Steven Greenberg as Kelly appears for a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court building, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019. (Antonio Perez/pool/Chicago Tribune)
The judge further states, “The nature of the charges— which include crimes against minor victims, threats against potential witnesses and paying bribes to keep witnesses from cooperating—make him a danger to the community, including that he could attempt to tamper with prospective witnesses.”
Attorneys for Kelly filed a third motion for bond May 1, 2020. The filing stated that Kelly has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and being “possibly diabetic,” further putting in a vulnerable position if he contracts the deadly coronavirus while housed in a federal Chicago jail.
Judge Donnelly stated in her order that diabetes has been identified by the CDC as a risk factor for COVID-19, the same is not valid for prediabetes, a “relatively common and treatable condition.”
R. Kelly appears during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on Sept. 17, 2019. (Antonio Perez/pool/Chicago Tribune)
Kelly is accused of having sex with multiple underage girls.
In 2008, Kelly was found Not Guilty in a child pornography case. The latest charges surfaced following the Lifetime documentary series, “Surviving R. Kelly” which featured alleged victims’ stories of manipulation and abuse at the hands of Kelly.
Kelly has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying all of his relationships were consensual and the girls were all of the age of consent.
