Judges for the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals denied musician R. Kelly’s request to be released on bail.
The appeals court denied Kelly’s sixth attempt to be released from jail on Tuesday. The court ruled that Kelly, whose given name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, should not be released as his sex-trafficking trial continues because it believes there is “convincing evidence” that the R&B singer is a flight risk and a threat to the public.
“We perceive no clear error in the district court’s determination,” the judges wrote. “The government has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that Kelly presents a risk of danger to the community.”
Kelly’s attorneys argued that they have been unable to meet with the singer to prepare for his trial properly. The attorneys have been unable to see Kelly in person for six months because of coronavirus restrictions. Steve Greenberg, an attorney for Kelly, said he was “disappointed” by the court’s decision and alleged that there was a double standard in place for his client.
“There seems to be a different set of criteria when it comes to R. Kelly,” Greenberg said.
Kelly faces charges for several crimes, including sex trafficking, possession of child porn, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Kelly was attacked in prison in August by an inmate hoping to garner attention for his own case.
