R. Kelly was hoping to get temporarily released from prison due to the outbreak of COVID-19 but it looks like that won’t be happening as of right now.
In court documents obtained by Complex, Judge Ann M. Donnelly announced the singer’s request has been denied. Judge Ann M. Stated that R. Kelly didn’t establish “compelling reasons warranting his release,” and he hasn’t “demonstrated” that he’s at high risk for contracting the virus. She pointed out that although the singer is over 50, there are people 12-years younger than him that the facility deemed “high risk.”
She went on to say that there are no cases of coronavirus at the MCC in Chicago. The judge also said The Bureau of Prisons is taking precautions measures to ensure the safety of their staff and inmates. They suspended legal and social visits, inmate facility transfers, soap is available to inmates, and they’re practicing social distancing. They also have tests available if anyone needs to get tested.
The judge also thinks R. Kelly is a flight risk. Most likely his trial that was slated to start in July will get pushed back but things are still in limbo. The disgraced singer faces several federal charges which include racketeering, bribery, 11 counts of aggravated assault, child pornography, obstruction of justice, human trafficking and more. If convicted, R. Kelly could serve over 40 years behind bars.
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