A federal judge ordered the transfer of R&B singer R. Kelly to New York City for trial this summer. There have been several delays due to the pandemic.
Kelly is being held in Chicago, where he faces a possible second trial in the fall. However, his incarceration here is for a separate federal case in relation to an extensive sex crimes investigation.
Due to COIVD, the trial in federal court in Brooklyn had been postponed for months. But in a virtual hearing, United States District Judge Ann Donnelly told attorneys that there are protections in the courthouse that would now allow the process to move forward for the trail starting on Augu. 9.
Furthermore, Judge Donnelly stated preparations to transport Kelly to New York can start but the specific time has not been made clear. In addition, he is expected to be transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn prosecutors allege that Kelly ran a company made up of his managers, bodyguards, and other employees who helped him recruit women and girls for sex.
Each of the alleged victims — identified as “Jane Doe” in documents — is expected to testify. Kelly has denied the sex trafficking allegations.
