Disgraced singer R. Kelly is heading to trial later this month and jury selection is currently underway in New York.
According to Page Six, Kelly will head to trial in Brooklyn on August 18. The singer, whose birth name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, faces state and federal charges for sex trafficking, racketeering, coercion and other charges related to the alleged abuse and exploitation of six women over the course of 25 years. He could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Judge Ann Donnelly oversaw the selection of several jurors on Monday, ensuring members of the prospective jury will remain impartial despite the serious nature of the allegations against the 54-year-old singer.
He maintains his innocence.
Kelly’s Brooklyn trial has been postponed at least five times because of the COVID-19 pandemic — but the most recent delay was for Kelly to review his case materials with his new legal team. As previously reported, two of Kelly’s top lawyers withdrew from the case in June.
Kelly also faces a separate indictment in Chicago for allegations regarding child pornography. That particular trial is slated to start in September.
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