NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — R. Kelly, the R&B singer currently in a Brooklyn federal jail on sex trafficking charges, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to his lawyer.
His lawyer has asked a federal judge for a two-week extension to work on an appeal, which is currently due on Thursday, because of Kelly's positive test.
Kelly is currently jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn where he came down with the virus. He's been housed at the jail since before his sex trafficking trial.
In the letter motion filed by Kelly's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, she reasoned that Kelly could not be "afforded meaningful opportunity to consult with his counsel" as the jail prevents him from participating in video visits while he has COVID-19.
We filed a letter motion seeking an additional 2 weeks to file Mr. Kelly's post-trial motions. It is imperative that Mr. Kelly be afforded meaningful opportunity to consult with his counsel which has been hampered by the MDC's visitation policies. The motion was granted.
— Jennifer Bonjean (@jenniferbonjean) February 1, 2022
Bonjean tweeted that the motion was granted and Kelly's team looks forward to sharing post-trial motions on Feb. 17.
On Sept. 27, Kelly was convicted of racketeering conspiracy charges which alleged he used his music career to further a criminal enterprise. He was found guilty of 12 individual illegal acts which include sex with multiple underage girls.
Facing life imprisonment, Kelly's sentencing will take place on May 4. He also faces charges in Illinois and Minnesota.
