R Kelly arrest for federal sex trafficking charges
R Kelly is facing two sets of federal sex abuse charges, one from New York prosecutors and another from prosecutors in his home town of Chicago after he was arrested on Thursday night while out walking his dog.
The 18-page New York indictment charges Kelly with racketeering and sex-related crimes against women and girls, in an 18-page federal indictment that accuses the singer and members of his entourage of recruiting women and girls to “engage in illegal sexual activity”.
Prosecutors say the defendants paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to victims and witnesses to make sure they would not cooperate with law enforcement.
It also accuses Kelly of using physical abuse, violence and blackmail to prevent victims from providing evidence to police.
Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg, confirmed his arrest. He said the charges are not a surprise and that Kelly hopes to be released at a bail hearing next week. The singer has denied wrongdoing.