R.Kelly’s second attempt to get released from jail due to the COIVID -19 pandemic has been given another emphatic no from Federal Judge Ann Donnely.
His lawyer made a plea on his behalf to the judge saying that he is in a vulnerable position at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre, claiming that an inmate on Kelly's floor had recently been hospitalized for COVID-19.
As reported by TMZ, while the Judge acknowledged that the disease has spread at the MCC, she said there was not enough evidence to show that Kelly was “uniquely at risk to contract the coronavirus.” Kelly is being held at the correctional facility in Chicago while awaiting the first of his many trials.
Meanwhile, it has been reported by the Daily Mail that 23 inmates have tested positive for the virus at the facility thus far.
In denying his appeal for release, Judge Donnely was quoted as saying, "They cannot ensure that a defendant with a history, incentive and opportunity to interfere with potential witnesses will not do so."
Kelly’s lawyer had tried to persuade the judge by insisting that he would wear a GPS monitor at all times and stay off social media.
Let's not forget, this was Kelly's second attempt to get out of jail by using his fear of contracting the virus as a reason, saying that at his age, Kelly is 53, he is at risk. The judge was not buying any of that and the appeal was denied.
The once much-lauded “King of R&B" is facing several dozen state and federal sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York. They include sexual assault and heading a racketeering scheme aimed at providing him with young women. Kelly has pleaded not guilty to all counts
The #MuteRKelly campaign has seen radio stations across the globe remove his music from their playlists.
