R. Kelly Cries About His Small Jail Cell As Part Of New Plea To Be Released On Bond Weeks Before Trial
July 2 2021, Published 1:16 p.m. ET
R. Kelly is complaining about his treatment behind bars and demanded to be let out weeks before his trial is set to start.
According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the disgraced singer is pleading with a New York judge to release him on bond.
His trial is set to start on August 9 in Federal Court. Kelly has been behind bars since July 2019 after being arrested over alleged sex crimes. Kelly is facing charges of racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, forced labor, kidnapping, and bribery.
His previous attempts to be released on bond have been denied by the court. Prosecutors believe he is a huge flight risk and should not be allowed out before his trial. In newly filed court documents, Kelly is making one last desperate attempt for freedom.
He says he was recently transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York while he awaits his trial next month. Kelly claims the conditions at the facility are horrendous. He complains about not being able to see his lawyers in person until he tests negative for COVID.
In his letter, Kelly’s attorneys say the FaceTime calls are often interrupted and Kelly’s inability to read-create “an impossible situation.”
The letter states, “Given the current circumstances that exist; Mr. Kelly in the Special Housing Unity (“SHU”), the lack of meaningful communications with Mr. Kelly while he is in prison and Mr. Kelly’s inability to assist in his defense, the only assurance that Mr. Kelly will be prepared for his trial in August is if he is granted immediate pre-trial release.”
Kelly’s team says without communicating with the singer they can’t build his defense.
“There is little preparation that can be done when Mr. Kelly calls counsel from a shower and has to talk through a slit in the door. These barbaric conditions fundamentally prevent Mr. Kelly from being able to assist his counsel in his own defense,” they argue.
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His lawyer says Kelly should be released on bond and placed under 24-hour home confinement. He agrees to wear an electronic monitoring device and would only leave for necessary medical services.
At the moment, Kelly is housed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) inside the jail. He lives in 6 feet by 9 feet cell. His lawyer says being in the SHU can cause inmates to experience “hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks, memory deficiencies, concentration issues, paranoia and impulse control.”
Kelly’s lawyers claim the alleged sex predator is “experiencing a number of these mental health issues.” A judge has yet to rule on his motion.
