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R. Kelly Denied Request For Release Over COVID-19 Fears

April 7, 2020 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

R. Kelly’s hope to get a release from jail amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been officially squashed. TMZ reports that a judge denied the R&B singer’s request for a release from jail, saying that being worried about catching the novel coronavirus is not sufficient reason to be cut free.

Kelly filed a request to be released from jail while he awaits trial on his various charges of sexual assault, arguing that the jail was not able to take appropriate precautions like social distancing.

In denying the request, the judge said that Kelly is still a flight risk, noting, “[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.” The judge further said that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the jail and that the Bureau of Prisons has taken precautions like suspending social visits and inmate facility transfers.

Kelly also had argued that he was at risk, but the judge noted that he’s 53 which is 12 years below the CDC’s definition of the high risk group. The judge added that Kelly’s claim that he can’t meet with lawyers is countermanded by the fact that Kelly can still communicate via phone and email.

article topics :

R. Kelly, Jeremy Thomas