In this Wednesday, March 6, 2019 booking photo released by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is R. Kelly. A Cook County Sheriff’s Office official says singer Kelly won’t be released from jail until he pays $161,000 in back child support he owes. Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Sophia Ansari says Kelly was taken into custody Wednesday during a hearing over the child support and that his next hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, March 13. Image: Cook County Sheriff’s Office via AP
R. Kelly is due back in court for a hearing on his sex-abuse case.
The R&B singer is required to attend Tuesday morning’s status hearing. It is unclear what issues will be discussed, but one matter before the judge involves attorney Michael Avenatti.
Avenatti, who represented porn actress Stormy Daniels in her legal battles against President Donald Trump, represents two Kelly accusers. But after he was indicted on embezzlement and extortion charges in California, Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg, filed a motion asking the judge to order that all messages between Avenatti and the prosecutors handling the Kelly case be preserved as possible evidence of inappropriate coordination and communication leading up to the charges.
Cook County Judge Lawrence Flood has not ruled on the motion.
Kelly was charged in February with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. CC
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