iStock/jnnaultAppearing in court Friday in Brooklyn, NY for an arraignment hearing, R. Kelly pleaded not guilty to racketeering and sexual abuse charges. His live-in girlfriends and nearly two dozen supporters looked on as Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione denied Kelly bail.
Kelly entered the courtroom with his hands clasped behind his back, wearing blue prison scrubs and orange slip-on shoes; he was unshaven with a thick beard. His New York attorney entered his not guilty plea on his behalf.
Federal prosecutor Elizabeth Geddes argued that Kelly is a flight risk, a danger to the community, and could attempt to obstruct justice once again due to his wide-ranging and lengthy criminal history. The government also argued Kelly has committed obstruction of justice over many years.
Kelly’s attorney argued back that there is “not one piece of evidence” to support the government’s allegations.
While the judge was considering a motion Kelly’s Chicago attorney filed yesterday asking for bail to be reconsidered in Illinois, Kelly looked over at his girlfriends, Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary, and nodded to them; they smiled back at him.
The judge said he was denying bail due to the serious nature of the crimes, as well as the fact that Kelly has access to financial means, a history of international travel and significant incentive to flee. He ordered the embattled singer “detained pending trial.” Kelly was then removed from the courtroom.
At a status hearing at 1 p.m. on Friday, Kelly received his next New York court date: October 2 at 10:30 a.m. ET. The singer will waive his appearance. His lawyer also plans to appeal the bail decision.
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