R. Kelly’s Ex-Business Manager Acquitted On All Charges After Being Accused Of Helping Singer Cover Up Years Of Abuse, Seeking $850k In Restitution To Cover Legal Fees

R. Kelly, Derrell McDavid

R. Kelly’s Ex-Business Manager Found Not Guilty On All Charges After Being Accused Of Helping Singer Cover Up Years Of Abuse, Seeking $850k In Restitution To Cover Legal Fees

Jailed R&B singer R. Kelly is serving a hefty prison sentence, but his associates seem to be avoiding jail time.

The 55-year-old’s former business manager Derrel McDavid, 61, was acquitted on all charges last month for his alleged involvement in the singer’s federal child pornography trial. McDavid was found not guilty on the four charges brought against him, including one count of conspiracy to receive child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. He recently filed a motion to have his extensive legal fees covered.

As previously reported, Robert ‘R.’ Kelly was found guilty in a New York trial on RICO and sex trafficking charges and was subsequently sentenced to 30 years behind bars. In a second federal trial brought by the city of Chicago, Kelly was found guilty of three child-pornography counts and three counts of enticing minors into criminal sexual activity. The musician was also charged with obstruction in the trial — being accused of conspiring to cover up his 2008 child pornography trial, allegedly receiving assistance from McDavid and another one of his employees Milton “June” Brown. However, Kelly, McDavid, and Brown were all found not guilty on obstruction and conspiracy charges.

Following the acquittal, McDavid filed a motion to have his $850,000 legal fee expenses covered. Reportedly, he was only able to pay $250k, leaving a $600k remaining balance. The report says the former business manager is being forced to “liquidate real property and other assets in an attempt to pay.” McDavid’s lawyer reportedly issued a statement, that in part read:

“Mr. McDavid’s life was unalterably changed by the frivolous, vexatious, and bad faith prosecution over which he prevailed….The jury even acquitted Robert Kelly of more than half of the charges levied against him, in large part, based on the lies and falsehoods exposed by Mr. McDavid’s vigorous defense.”

Derrel McDavid, R. Kelly

However, the report also notes that McDavid’s efforts will likely be unsuccessful, as “defendants actually recouping legal fees in these situations are exceedingly rare and do not often succeed.” Kelly was recently ordered to pay restitution of his own. The singer reportedly owes over $300k to two of his victims, reportedly to cover herpes treatment and psychological care.

Back in September of this year, the musician’s $27k commissary was reportedly seized to help cover his ongoing restitution payments. The total amount Kelly will owe to his victims is reportedly unknown at this time

[VIA 1,2]

What are your thoughts on McDavid’s not-guilty verdict and his motion for $850k in restitution to cover his legal fees? Tell us in the comments below!