Defense: Key government witness tried to extort R. Kelly
2 years, 7 months ago

Defense: Key government witness tried to extort R. Kelly

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Defense lawyers at R. Kelly’s child pornography trial in Chicago sought Wednesday to portray a key government witness as a liar and extortionist, contending the man first approached the R&B star in 2001 and demanded that Kelly pay $1 million or he’d go public with video that could put Kelly in serious legal peril. Minutes later, she added, “You were part of a shakedown scheme, right?” Freeman shot back, “No!” He also said, “I am not a thief.” Federal prosecutors charged Kelly with production of child pornography based in part on that recording, which they say shows him sexually abusing a 14-year-old. He and co-defendant Derrel McDavid are also accused of successfully rigging Kelly’s 2008 state child pornography trial by threatening witnesses and concealing video evidence. “How many times have you told lies about videotapes connected to Robert Kelly?” Brindley asked, using Kelly’s full first name.

Video Trial Child Chicago Kelly Freeman Child Pornography Brindley  tried  asked  chicago  r  witness  key  defense  extort  brindley  pornography  freeman  told  kelly  video  child  trial

History of this topic

R. Kelly Sues YouTube Personality, Prison Bureau Over Alleged Leak Of Private Info
1 year, 4 months ago

R. Kelly Sues YouTube Personality, Prison Bureau Over Alleged Leak Of Private Info

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING R&B artist R. Kelly, a convicted sex offender, filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons and YouTube personality Tasha K on Monday. According to the 28-page complaint filed with the U.S. District Court in Chicago, a copy of which was obtained by HuffPost, R. Kelly says that dozens of Prison Bureau officers unlawfully accessed his …

R. Kelly avoids lengthy add-on to 30-year prison sentence
2 years, 1 month ago

R. Kelly avoids lengthy add-on to 30-year prison sentence

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A federal judge on Thursday rejected a call from prosecutors to keep R. Kelly behind bars until he is 100, instead telling the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer he would serve all but one of his 20 years on child sex convictions simultaneously with a previous sentence. “He is 56 years of age.” Kelly’s defense lawyer celebrated the ruling …

R. Kelly associate seeks legal fees after acquittal
2 years, 5 months ago

R. Kelly associate seeks legal fees after acquittal

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — R. Kelly’s former business manager asked a federal judge to award him $850,000 in attorneys fees after a jury acquitted him during the same trial in Chicago at which the R&B singer was convicted of child pornography charges. Derrel McDavid’s attorney wrote that deserves to recoup the legal fees after enduring a “frivolous, vexatious and bad faith prosecution …

EXPLAINER: R. Kelly acquitted on rigging trial. Why?
2 years, 6 months ago

EXPLAINER: R. Kelly acquitted on rigging trial. Why?

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Federal prosecutors this week scored multiple convictions against R. Kelly at the singer’s trial in Chicago, but they lost on the headline charge — that Kelly obstructed justice by rigging his 2008 state child pornography trial, at which jurors acquitted him. “But in this case,” said Phil Turner, a former federal prosecutor in Chicago, “the facts just weren’t …

EXPLAINER: R. Kelly acquitted on rigging trial. Why?
2 years, 6 months ago

EXPLAINER: R. Kelly acquitted on rigging trial. Why?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Federal prosecutors this week scored …

R. Kelly convicted of child porn, enticing girls for sex
2 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly convicted of child porn, enticing girls for sex

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago convicted R. Kelly on Wednesday of producing child pornography and enticing girls for sex after a monthlong trial in his hometown, delivering another legal blow to the Grammy Award winning singer who was once one of the world’s biggest R&B stars. The trial was, in ways, a do-over of Kelly’s 2008 child pornography …

R Kelly found guilty in child pornography case for filming himself sexually abusing goddaughter
2 years, 6 months ago

R Kelly found guilty in child pornography case for filming himself sexually abusing goddaughter

India TV News  

A Chicago federal jury found singer R. Kelly guilty of three counts of child pornography for filming himself sexually abusing his then-14-year-old goddaughter. According to the Chicago Tribune, of the indictment's 13 charges, Kelly was also found guilty of three counts of child sex trafficking through coercion and enticement, reports 'Variety'. Kelly was convicted on enticement counts regarding witnesses Jane, …

Jury gets R. Kelly’s child pornography and trial-fixing case
2 years, 6 months ago

Jury gets R. Kelly’s child pornography and trial-fixing case

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Jurors began deliberating Tuesday at R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago, sorting through a month of evidence and arguments on charges accusing the singer of producing child pornography, enticing minors for sex and rigging his 2008 child porn trial. “Robert Kelly abused many girls over many years,” Pozolo said, referring to Kelly’s full name. Widespread outrage emerged after …

Prosecutor: R. Kelly ‘degraded’ girl for his ‘sick pleasure’
2 years, 6 months ago

Prosecutor: R. Kelly ‘degraded’ girl for his ‘sick pleasure’

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — R. Kelly parlayed his fame as an R&B superstar to sexually abuse minors and record that abuse on video, a prosecutor told jurors Monday at the singer’s federal trial on charges of child pornography and of rigging his 2008 state child pornography trial. “Robert Kelly abused many girls over many years,” she said, referring to the 55-year-old Grammy …

R. Kelly’s child pornography and trial-fixing case goes to the jury
2 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly’s child pornography and trial-fixing case goes to the jury

LA Times  

Musician R. Kelly, center, leaves the Daley Center after a hearing in his child support case on May 8, 2019, in Chicago. She said of the prosecution’s case: “There are just too many cockroaches.” As Bonjean spoke, Kelly, wearing a gray suit and black face mask, looked calmly at a nearby defense table. … All these years later, the hidden …

Defense rests at R. Kelly trial on trial-fixing charges
2 years, 6 months ago

Defense rests at R. Kelly trial on trial-fixing charges

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — The defense for R. Kelly and two co-defendants rested Friday at the R&B singer’s trial on charges of trial-fixing, child pornography and enticing minors for sex, with closing arguments and the start of jury deliberations scheduled for early next week. Kelly and McDavid are charged with fixing Kelly’s 2008 state child pornography trial — at which Kelly was …

Ex-Employee Testifies He Now Doubts R. Kelly Abuse Denials
2 years, 6 months ago

Ex-Employee Testifies He Now Doubts R. Kelly Abuse Denials

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING CHICAGO — An ex-business manager for R. Kelly and his co-defendant at the singer’s federal trial in Chicago expressed doubts on the witness stand Thursday about Kelly’s insistence in the 2000s that he never sexually abused minors — testifying a day after the former employee told jurors he had had no reason to doubt his boss was …

Ex-employee testifies he now doubts R. Kelly abuse denials
2 years, 6 months ago

Ex-employee testifies he now doubts R. Kelly abuse denials

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — An ex-business manager for R. Kelly and his co-defendant at the singer’s federal trial in Chicago expressed doubts on the witness stand Thursday about Kelly’s insistence in the 2000s that he never sexually abused minors — testifying a day after the former employee told jurors he had had no reason to doubt his boss was telling the truth. …

R. Kelly ex-manager says he believed singer’s abuse denials
2 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly ex-manager says he believed singer’s abuse denials

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Singer R. Kelly’s former business manager told jurors Wednesday he believed the singer’s denials of sexual misconduct that emerged against his boss, adding that he came to understand that fending off false claims was a cost of doing business for a superstar. Derrell McDavid, a co-defendant at Kelly’s child pornography and trial-fixing trial in federal court in Chicago, …

Music writer fights subpoena to testify at R. Kelly trial
2 years, 6 months ago

Music writer fights subpoena to testify at R. Kelly trial

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A music writer who spent decades raising awareness about sexual misconduct allegations against R. Kelly is fighting a bid to force him to testify at the R&B singer’s federal trial on child pornography and trial-fixing charges, according to a Tuesday court filing. Lawyers for Kelly’s former business manager, Derrel McDavid, who with Kelly is charged with a conspiracy …

R. Kelly's lawyers start defense; he says he won't testify
2 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly's lawyers start defense; he says he won't testify

Firstpost  

Judge Harry Leinenweber asked Kelly directly on Thursday morning if he would testify, and the Grammy Award winner responded that he would not. R. Kelly’s lawyers began mounting a defense Thursday in Chicago against federal charges of child pornography, enticement of minors for sex and fixing his 2008 state trial, with an initial witness contending the singer was himself a …

R. Kelly’s lawyers start defense; he says he won’t testify
2 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly’s lawyers start defense; he says he won’t testify

LA Times  

R. Kelly’s lawyers began mounting a defense Thursday in Chicago against federal charges of child pornography, enticement of minors for sex and fixing his 2008 state trial, with an initial witness contending the singer was himself a victim of blackmail. Under cross-examination, Wilson conceded he didn’t directly witness anyone trying to extort Kelly, saying he was relying on what McDavid …

R. Kelly’s lawyers start defense; he says he won’t testify
2 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly’s lawyers start defense; he says he won’t testify

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — R. Kelly’s lawyers began mounting a defense Thursday in Chicago against federal charges of child pornography, enticement of minors for sex and fixing his 2008 state trial, with an initial witness contending the singer was himself a victim of blackmail. Under cross-examination, Wilson conceded he didn’t directly witness anyone trying to extort Kelly, saying he was relying on …

Prosecutors rest in R. Kelly’s trial-fixing, child porn case
2 years, 6 months ago

Prosecutors rest in R. Kelly’s trial-fixing, child porn case

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Prosecutors rested their case Tuesday at R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago after presenting two weeks of testimony, including from four Kelly accusers, in their bid to prove the singer enticed underage girls for sex, produced child pornography and successfully rigged his 2008 state trial. Among the last prosecution witnesses was a 42-year-old woman who went by the …

2 more R. Kelly accusers testify at trial in Chicago
2 years, 6 months ago

2 more R. Kelly accusers testify at trial in Chicago

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Two more accusers took the witness stand at R. Kelly’s child pornography and solicitation of minors trial Monday, bringing to three the total number of accusers to have testified to date at the federal trial in Chicago. An accuser who used the pseudonym “Pauline,” told jurors Monday she was a middle school classmate of Jane’s and that Jane …

Witness: R. Kelly manager threatened her over stolen video
2 years, 7 months ago

Witness: R. Kelly manager threatened her over stolen video

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A former girlfriend of R. Kelly wept on the witness stand Thursday as she testified that a Kelly business manager told her in 2007 she should have been killed for causing the R&B star so much trouble by stealing a video from a gym bag full of recordings of Kelly having sex with women and girls. Prosecution witness …

Witness: Desperate R. Kelly offered $1M for return of video
2 years, 7 months ago

Witness: Desperate R. Kelly offered $1M for return of video

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A former merchandizing agent for R. Kelly testified Tuesday that the singer offered him $1 million to find a VHS tape featuring Kelly as prosecutors sought to persuade jurors that Kelly was desperate to recover the missing recording, knowing it could land him in legal peril if it fell into the hands of law enforcement. When a prosecutor …

Accuser’s mom: R Kelly’s threats made her fear for her life
2 years, 7 months ago

Accuser’s mom: R Kelly’s threats made her fear for her life

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A mother whose daughter prosecutors say R. Kelly sexually abused starting when she was 14 told jurors Monday at the singer’s federal trial that she lied to a state grand jury 20 years ago, in part because she and her husband felt threatened by Kelly and feared for their lives if they told the truth. She testified they …

Witness about R. Kelly: I didn’t want to ‘carry his lies’
2 years, 7 months ago

Witness about R. Kelly: I didn’t want to ‘carry his lies’

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A woman who says she was sexually abused hundreds of times by R. Kelly as a minor testified Friday that she agonized several years ago about whether to cooperate with federal investigators who were looking into child abuse allegations involving the singer, but she ultimately did because she didn’t want to “carry his lies.” Hours before jurors got …

R. Kelly's lawyer gets a chance to question government witness
2 years, 7 months ago

R. Kelly's lawyer gets a chance to question government witness

Firstpost  

R. Kelly ’s legal team will get its chance to question the government’s star witness on Friday after she gave what jurors could see as damning testimony against Kelly at his federal trial in Chicago on charges that include the production of child pornography. When a prosecutor asked Jane how old she was at the time the video was shot, …

Woman says it was her, R. Kelly in key video at 2008 trial
2 years, 7 months ago

Woman says it was her, R. Kelly in key video at 2008 trial

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — A woman who has been central to R. Kelly’s legal troubles for more than two decades testified Thursday that the R&B singer sexually abused her “hundreds” of times before she turned 18 and that it was her and Kelly in a videotape that was at the heart of his 2008 child pornography trial, at which he was acquitted. …

Accuser and star witness testifies at R Kelly trial
2 years, 7 months ago

Accuser and star witness testifies at R Kelly trial

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Attorney: Don’t accept portrayal of R. Kelly as `monster’
2 years, 7 months ago

Attorney: Don’t accept portrayal of R. Kelly as `monster’

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — R. Kelly kept an ugly side of his life hidden as he escaped poverty in Chicago and rose to pop music stardom, a prosecutor told jurors Wednesday at the singer’s trial on charges accusing him of enticing girls for sex and rigging a 2008 child pornography case. Kelly’s lead attorney implored jurors during her opening statement at the …

R Kelly trial in Chicago: Jury to hear opening statements today
2 years, 7 months ago

R Kelly trial in Chicago: Jury to hear opening statements today

Firstpost  

Both the prosecution and Kelly’s legal team told the judge earlier in the week that they would like about an hour each to tell jurors about the kind evidence they can expect to see and hear. Opening statements set for Wednesday give prosecutors and R. Kelly ’s attorneys their first chance to address jurors directly about charges that accuse the …

Jury to hear opening statements at R Kelly trial in Chicago
2 years, 7 months ago

Jury to hear opening statements at R Kelly trial in Chicago

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

R Kelly accuser to give key testimony on trial-fixing charge
2 years, 7 months ago

R Kelly accuser to give key testimony on trial-fixing charge

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago that starts Monday is in many ways a do-over of his 2008 state child pornography trial, at which jurors acquitted the singer on charges that he produced a video of himself when he was around 30 having sex with a girl no older than 14. Prosecutors say Kelly shot the video of …

R Kelly accuser to give key testimony on trial-fixing charge
2 years, 7 months ago

R Kelly accuser to give key testimony on trial-fixing charge

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy R. Kelly’s federal trial in …

Trial begins of R. Kelly manager accused of theater-emptying threat
2 years, 8 months ago

Trial begins of R. Kelly manager accused of theater-emptying threat

LA Times  

The trial of R. Kelly’s manager opened Tuesday on charges that he forced the cancellation of a screening of a documentary about the singer’s sexual abuse of women and girls by calling in a threat to the crowded Manhattan theater. U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz told jurors that Donnell Russell made a terrifying, brief phone call in December 2018 from his …

R Kelly’s prison sentence is the least men like him deserve
2 years, 8 months ago

R Kelly’s prison sentence is the least men like him deserve

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. One victim, Jovante Cunningham – who …

Victims accuse R Kelly of ‘deplorable, inexplicable acts’ in harrowing sentencing impact statements
2 years, 8 months ago

Victims accuse R Kelly of ‘deplorable, inexplicable acts’ in harrowing sentencing impact statements

The Independent  

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R&B hitmaker R. Kelly due in court for sex abuse sentencing
2 years, 8 months ago

R&B hitmaker R. Kelly due in court for sex abuse sentencing

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Kelly’s lawyers argued in court papers he should …

Faith Rodgers Says It’s ‘Beyond Insulting’ To Call R. Kelly A Victim
3 years, 5 months ago

Faith Rodgers Says It’s ‘Beyond Insulting’ To Call R. Kelly A Victim

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Faith Rogers, who testified as a Jane Doe in the federal case against R. Kelly, spoke out on Friday for the first time since the singer’s conviction. The 24-year-old replied to comments made by Bill Cosby’s publicist, Andrew Wyatt, that Kelly was “railroaded.” “It was disheartening to see even years and a second trial later that an …

Aaliyah's uncle says 'there wouldn't have been a trial' if he had known about R. Kelly's abuse
3 years, 5 months ago

Aaliyah's uncle says 'there wouldn't have been a trial' if he had known about R. Kelly's abuse

Daily Mail  

Barry Hankerson, former manager to R. Kelly and uncle to late R&B singer Aaliyah, said that the now-convicted sex offender 'wouldn't have to worry about a trial' if he had been aware of the abuse against his niece. Barry Hankerson, former manager to R. Kelly and uncle to late R&B singer Aaliyah, said that the now-convicted sex offender 'wouldn't have …

Rep. Danny Davis Says R. Kelly Deserves A ‘Second Chance’ After Guilty Verdict
3 years, 5 months ago

Rep. Danny Davis Says R. Kelly Deserves A ‘Second Chance’ After Guilty Verdict

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A congressman from Illinois says R. Kelly has an opportunity for redemption, even though the R&B singer was found guilty this week on charges relating to racketeering and child sexual abuse. “As an artist, one who’s gifted … I think he’ll be welcomed back into Chicago as a person who can be redeemed,” Rep. Danny Davis told …

Social media reacts to R Kelly conviction in racketeering and sex trafficking trial
3 years, 5 months ago

Social media reacts to R Kelly conviction in racketeering and sex trafficking trial

The Independent  

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy R Kelly was found guilty …

R Kelly convicted on all counts of sex trafficking trial, likely to face 20 years in prison
3 years, 5 months ago

R Kelly convicted on all counts of sex trafficking trial, likely to face 20 years in prison

Firstpost  

R Kelly has been found guilty of exploiting his stardom to run a scheme to sexually abuse women and children over two decades. Kelly was also convicted of criminal counts accusing him of violating the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to take anyone across state lines “for any immoral purpose.” “To the victims in this case, your voices were …

R. Kelly jury asked to make him ‘pay’ or not fall for ‘lies’
3 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly jury asked to make him ‘pay’ or not fall for ‘lies’

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — A prosecutor in closing arguments at the sex-trafficking trial of R. Kelly urged jurors on Thursday to make the R&B superstar “pay” for his alleged crimes, while a defense lawyer told them they’ve been misled by opportunistic accusers about consensual relationships. Convict him.” Defense attorney Deveraux Cannick countered by telling the jury that testimony by several accusers …

R. Kelly DID NOT testify at sex trafficking trial as closing arguments begin
3 years, 6 months ago

R. Kelly DID NOT testify at sex trafficking trial as closing arguments begin

Daily Mail  

Beleaguered R&B star R. Kelly told a judge on Wednesday that he will not testify in his own defense at his federal sex trafficking trial, meaning he will avoid a potentially damaging cross-examination. In this sketch drawn from a video feed, R. Kelly, right, stands and informs Judge Ann Donnelly that he will not take the stand in his own …

R Kelly unlikely to testify in sex-trafficking trial, claims singer's lawyer
3 years, 6 months ago

R Kelly unlikely to testify in sex-trafficking trial, claims singer's lawyer

Firstpost  

The remark came as the defense wound down its case at the trial in federal court in New York City. R Kelly is unlikely to take the witness stand at his sex-trafficking trial, a lawyer for the R&B singer told a judge Tuesday. The remark by attorney Deveraux Cannick, made with the jury out the courtroom, came as the defense …

R Kelly is now not expected to testify at his trial
3 years, 6 months ago

R Kelly is now not expected to testify at his trial

The Independent  

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. R Kelly pleads not guilty to a new indictment …

Lawyer: R. Kelly unlikely to take stand in trafficking trial
3 years, 6 months ago

Lawyer: R. Kelly unlikely to take stand in trafficking trial

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — R. Kelly is unlikely to take the witness stand at his sex-trafficking trial, a lawyer for the R&B singer told a judge Tuesday. On Tuesday, accountant John Holder was among the latest former Kelly associates to testify for the defense that they never saw him torment his alleged accusers. Holder described seeing Kelly carrying around a backpack …

R Kelly prosecutors rest; defense calls on singer’s allies
3 years, 6 months ago

R Kelly prosecutors rest; defense calls on singer’s allies

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Prosecutors at the R. Kelly sex trafficking trial ended their case Monday after calling dozens of witnesses over the past month who detailed the government’s sweeping allegations against the singer in lurid detail. The defense began its case later in the day by starting to call Kelly loyalists to the witness stand in an effort to cast …

Prosecutors: Tapes capture R. Kelly threatening his victims
3 years, 6 months ago

Prosecutors: Tapes capture R. Kelly threatening his victims

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Prosecutors want a New York City jury at the R. Kelly sex-trafficking trial to hear profane video and audio recordings they say demonstrate how he threatened his victims with violence. The star R&B singer is captured on another recording berating a second woman from Florida, identified as a “Jane Doe” he accused of stealing a Rolex watch …

Witness says R. Kelly kept her locked up before sex assault
3 years, 6 months ago

Witness says R. Kelly kept her locked up before sex assault

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — She was an unsuspecting radio station intern in 2003 when she pursued what she thought would be a career-making interview with a R&B superstar — R. Kelly. “I was sexually assaulted,” the woman told jurors on Thursday at Kelly’s sex-trafficking trial. “It wasn’t something I invited.” The witness, who testified without using her real name, became the …

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