R. Kelly's Request to Be Released Early From Jail Has Been Denied

(Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

The defamed singer's lawyer reportedly filed an 18-page request pointing out reasons why he should be released.

R. Kelly's recent request to be released from a Chicago jail as COVID-10 worsens throughout the U.S. has been denied.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ the judge stated that one of the reasons he did not grant his request is because Kelly is still a flight risk. He also said, “[Kelly] is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses. The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed."

Despite Kelly’s fear that he’ll become infected with COVID-19, the judge also states that there have been no confirmed cases of the virus at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago where he’s being held. The judge went on to point out that there are explicit measures the Bureau of Prisons has been implementing to combat the spread of the virus behind bars. Those being “suspending inmate facility transfers” and “all social visits.”

We previously reported that in an 18-page filing R. Kelly’s lawyers noted his age as one of the risk factors that could lead to him becoming ill, the judge has dismissed this factor. She declared he “is fifty-three years old, twelve years younger than the cohort of 'older adults' defined by the CDC as at high risk.” 

Additionally, despite Kelly arguing that a recent surgery also put him at high risk, the judge also dismissed this claim. She reportedly addressed this by stating, “he does not explain how his surgical history places him at a higher risk of severe illness.” She also stated, “Moreover, officials in Chicago have advised the government that doctors have completed all treatment for the defendant’s recent operation.”

The defamed singer even went to lengths to share he cannot meet with his lawyers to discuss his trial slated to take place in jail. The judge responded to this by noting he can communicate via phone and email. She later added, “as conditions return to normal, [Kelly] and his lawyers will have additional time to prepare for trial.”

For now, his trial is unlikely to proceed as scheduled in early July. He will remain behind bars as he awaits trial.

Source: TMZ