R Kelly release has been denied again, even after an inmate on his floor was confirmed to have coronavirus.
U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly, The same judge who initially denied Kelly’s release earlier this month, has ruled Tuesday that the singer remains a flight risk and could possibly “intimidate prospective witnesses” if he is released.
“The risks associated with the defendant’s release have not changed,” Donnelly wrote. “The defendant continues to downplay the risk that he might flee, citing his attendance record in connection with the 2002 state criminal charges against him.”
Donnelly continued: “Even aside from the risk of flight, the risk that the defendant would try to obstruct justice or intimidate prospective witnesses has not dissipated, and poses a danger to the community.”
Mike Leonard one of R Kelly’s attorney’s stated that he was “disappointed” with the judge’s decision. In a statement to USA TODAY, he said: “The Government failed to come forward with any credible evidence, beyond conspiracy theories, that Mr. Kelly is a risk of flight … or a danger to the community.”
When asked about the ruling, Kelly’s lead attorney, Steve Greenberg, told USA TODAY that “sometimes it’s better to not comment.”
Initially R Kelly’s hearing to be released had no confirmed cases of Covid 19 to back him up.
On April 16, Leonard renewed the request after six inmates and seven staff members tested positive for the virus, according to the emergency motion obtained by USA TODAY.
“We are quite surprised and disappointed by the Judge’s Order,” Leonard told USA TODAY. “We believe that it completely overlooks the now well known fact that the situation and conditions at the MCC Chicago are dangerous to Mr. Kelly and his fellow detainees.”
He continued: “In fact, we pointed out in our filing that the number of COVID-19 positive detainees had doubled in a matter of a couple of days, as had the number of infected personnel – and that it is not just 6 detainees who have been impacted; instead it is two dozen and climbing between detainees and personnel.”
R Kelly release is not the only celebrity release that is in battle of being released during the pandemic. Bill Cosby, Michael Avenatti and the rapper YNW Melly are also fighting for release.
