R. Kelly Federal Trial Begins, Singer Faces Sex Trafficking Young Girls, Racketeering

The first day of singer R. Kelly’s federal trial is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The 54-year-old faces several charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking of women and girls, and the sexual exploitation of children.

Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will appear in Federal District Court in Brooklyn on accusations of running a criminal enterprise in which he and his associate recruited underage girls for sex.

Kelly’s attorney Thomas Farinella told CNN the defense team will present evidence that disproves the prosecution case against the singer.

“At this point, the public has only heard one side of the story in this case and that is about to change in the coming weeks. We look forward to the truth and the facts coming to light as the defense will continue to vigorously defend Mr. Kelly,” Farinella said in a statement.

“After all, the RICO ‘Enterprise’ is based on a series of independent relationships and events that the government is trying to patch together like different types of fabrics and trying to pass it off as silk.”

The case will reportedly revolve around six women, three of which were underage when Kelly recruited them.

The jury is expected to see evidence and hear testimonies tying Kelly to crimes of forced labor, production of child pornography kidnapping, and failing to tell his sexual partners about his sexually transmitted diseases.

Aside from the jury, a judge ruled the public and members press will not be allowed in the Brooklyn court due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The jury will consist of five women, seven men, and six alternates. The trial is expected to last six and eight weeks. Kelly also faces federal charges in Chicago and state sex criminal charges in Minnesota and Illinois.