He’s back in legal trouble — and this time, the R&B singer may REALLY feel the scales of justice.
R. Kelly was arrested in Chicago late Thursday night by the NYPD on federal sex crime charges — and it’s expected he’ll be brought back to New York City on Friday to face the music, so to speak.
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According to law enforcement sources who spoke to one outlet about the arrest, NYPD detectives, working alongside Homeland Security, took the 52-year-old into custody without incident in the Windy City last night.
He’ll be extradited immediately to New York City, and once there, federal prosecutors will officially charge him with a 13-count indictment, including charges related to sex trafficking and sexual abuse, along with child pornography, enticement of a minor, and obstruction of justice.
Of course, Kelly had previously been facing a series of sexual abuse charges in his hometown of Chicago, but those were local (state) charges levied by local prosecutors. This new indictment is a federal case, meaning among other things there is likely a count within the formal accusation alleging the R&B singer trafficked girls or women over state lines at some point.
And even though the crooner is already facing decades in prison, federal charges would likely bring decades more on top of that, whether by conviction or plea deal. Obviously, hypothesizing about potential punishments is getting well ahead of the legal process here, but the point is the addition of charges at the federal levels is a VERY serious development for Kelly, his accusers and alleged victims, and the prosecutors (at every level) in the case.
Steve Greenberg, an attorney for the musician, responded to the news, saying:
“He and his lawyers look forward to his day in court, to the truth coming out and to his vindication from what has been an unprecedented assault by others for their own personal gain. Most importantly he looks forward to being able to continue to making wonderful music and perform for his legions of fans that believe him.”
As you’ll recall, the Ignition artist has been back in Chicago battling local sexual abuse charges, and delivering highly emotional interviews to anyone who will listen where he proclaims his innocence and demands justice. Additionally, his music career has effectively been put on hold, and judging by the fallout from other artists, record labels, and fans (well… most fans), it may be over forever, regardless of the outcome of some of these legal battles.
Related: R. Kelly Can’t Stop Fighting About Child Support Money Owed
All people are innocent until proven guilty, of course, and Kelly ought to be treated that way going forward with all these new charges and allegations, but wow — this is a big step forward for his alleged victims, and a major power move by prosecutors who have pursued the R&B singer for years.
Reactions, Perezcious readers? Any thoughts on R. Kelly’s potential future in music (or prison) now? What a big-time development to come through so late at night!!!
[Image via WENN]
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