R. Kelly Transferred To Brooklyn Jail Ahead Of Sex-Trafficking Trial

R. Kelly

R. Kelly Transferred To Brooklyn Jail Ahead Of Sex-Trafficking Trial

R. Kelly has officially been moved to a jail in Brooklyn as he awaits trial for sex trafficking charges.

The disgraced singer’s federal trial in New York will begin on Aug. 9.

He’s said to be in the same jail as Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell, who’s also facing sex trafficking charges.

While he’s also charged in Chicago and Minnesota for similar crimes, the trial in New York is for allegations that he was the mastermind of a group that recruited women and underage girls for sex. The group allegedly included his managers, bodyguards, and some people on his staff. Prosecutors claim they picked victims at R. Kelly concerts and made plans for them to travel and see him.

He is also charged with racketeering.

His trial was pushed back multiple times thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. While his lawyers have fought for him to be granted release due to health risks, each attempt was shot down as he was deemed a risk to the public. Judges also suggested he could attempt to intimidate witnesses that would testify against him.

His transfer to Brooklyn comes after two of his lawyers pulled out of the case.

Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard filed paperwork to withdraw from the case earlier his month, according to TMZ. There was reportedly tension brewing between them and two of R. Kelly‘s other lawyers, Thomas Farinella and Nicole Blank Becker.

Steven Greenberg discussed the decision on Twitter, initially writing:

“Sometimes you can’t save someone from themselves, no matter how hard you try.”

After being confronted about the decision by an R. Kelly fan page, the attorney provided additional context:

“We refused to try a case with lawyers who don’t have the appropriate  level of experience and skill because that is not in the client’s best interest. It is a shame that lawyers can’t suppress their own egos or self interest and do or act in the client’s best interest.”

He also wrote,

“Sometimes people just won’t listen and there is nothing you can do.”

Still, R. Kelly’s remaining lawyers told TMZ, 

“The only comment we have at this time is that Mr. Kelly terminated both lawyers prior to filing their motion.”

What are your thoughts on R. Kelly being moved to Brooklyn ahead of his trial? Comment and let us know.