R. Kelly Federal Trial Set To Have Anonymous Jury, Citing Potential For Juror Intimidation

R. Kelly Federal Trial Set To Have Anonymous Jury, Citing Potential For Juror Intimidation

Singer R. Kelly and his widely infamous case have received a significant amount of attention, which is partially the reason behind a judge granting a motion sought by federal prosecutors for an anonymous jury to hear the singer’s federal trial.

R. Kelly

In a ruling dated Oct. 8, U.S. District Judge Ann M.Donnelly wrote,

“Empaneling an anonymous jury is appropriate given the seriousness of the charges, the defendant’s history of obstructing the judicial process, the potential for juror intimidation and the intensity of media attention given to this case.”

Earlier this year, federal prosecutor requested the anonymous jury, citing R. Kelly’s alleged involvement in influencing witnesses and jurors in 2008, in which case he was acquitted.

According to reports, the judge’s ruling also cited “evidence of obstructive conduct by others, including the defendant’s associates.”

In August, R. Kelly made headlines amid reports that three of his associates had been arrested for allegedly bribing or threatening victims in his case. According to reports criminal complaints had been filed against Richard Arline Jr., 31, Donnell Russell, 45, and Michael Williams, 37, as Federal prosecutors say they have charged the men in separate schemes to harass, intimidate and bribe the alleged victims of R&B singer R. Kelly.

Also in June, ex-girlfriend of R. Kelly, Azriel Clary, posted a photo on social media alleging that her vehicle was set on fire, claiming that the incident was premeditated and insinuating it was an alleged attempt to intimidate her.

R. Kelly has been in prison for over a year after being charged in his widely publicized case on federal charges alleging sex crimes and obstruction of justice.  As of July 2019, the Bump ‘N Grind singer faces a total of 18 federal counts, including child pornography, kidnapping and forced labor.

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