Finally, the R. Kelly pornography trial starts today. I can't believe it took SIX YEARS for this trial to finally begin!!!!! He obviously has the best attorney his money can buy. These cats are on the Johnnie Cochran level of criminal attorneys. Here's the story from the Associated Press:
R. Kelly arrived at a Cook County courthouse Friday to face child pornography charges filed after a videotape allegedly showed him having sex with a girl as young as 13.
The Grammy-winning R&B singer didn't acknowledge the crowd as he walked with several other people and a videographer. Raucous onlookers shouted "I love you" and "R. Kelly's a pedophile" as he walked up a special walkway.
Jury selection was scheduled to start Friday in Kelly's trial, which has been delayed for six years.
Another delay was possible after defense attorneys filed a motion Wednesday seeking to postpone the trial again. Judge Vincent Gaughan could rule on that request Friday.
The reasons for the motion were being kept secret, but it came as publicity surrounding the case heats up and some media speculated about who might testify. Prosecutors will have to surmount several hurdles if they hope to prevail. Chief among them is that the alleged victim, now 23, says it wasn't her. And Kelly's lawyers — including prominent Chicago attorney Ed Genson — haven't admitted it's Kelly in the video.
The 41-year-old Kelly, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The centerpiece of the trial is the video footage, which Gaughan ruled may be shown in open court. Prosecutors claim the videotape was made sometime between Jan. 1, 1998, and Nov. 1 2000, and that the girl was born in September 1984. Kelly was indicted on pornography charges June 5, 2002, after the tape surfaced.
It is unclear whether prosecutors have asked — or would be allowed — to tell jurors about accusations that Kelly allegedly had sexual relations with other minors, because some of the trial proceedings have been kept secret by the judge. Media outlets, including The Associated Press, have filed a motion seeking to get court records and hearing transcripts unsealed. Gaughan said Thursday he would rule on that motion May 16.
Once the trial gets under way, it is expected to last at least several weeks.
I'm guessing with the alleged victim denying it was her and not cooperating with the prosecutors, this will be a short trial and Kelly will get off. Which is a shame, because I believe there is something truly wrong with that man. Anyone who knowingly marries a 15-year-old when he's 25 has some serious issues.
0 comments:
Post a Comment