R. Kellyhas pled not guilty to his multiple sex crime charges. According toRap-Up, the singer appeared in Chicago court on Tuesday (July 16th) for his bond hearing, wearing an orange jumpsuit with shackles at his ankles. Kelly will remain in jail after a judge denied him bail.Â
TheChicago Sun-Timesreports that federal prosecutors described him as âan extreme danger to the community, especially to minor girls.â Prosecutors also argued that because of the singerâs high-profile status, he would pose a flight-risk if he were to be release on bail.Â
According toComplex, an assistant U.S. attorney told JudgeHarry Leinenweber, âThis risk of obstruction is real. This risk is ongoing. This risk is heightened by the defendantâs fame and power.â He went on to note that Kelly, âhas a unique ability to influence and intimidate witnesses and victims, and that continues to this day.âÂ
The singerâs attorney,Steve Greenberg, argued that Kelly does not pose any threat. Greenberg told the judge, âUnlike his most famous songâ'I Believe I Can FlyââMr. Kelly doesnât like to fly. How could he flee? He has no money. Thereâs no evidence that heâs a risk to minors at all at this point.â
Prosecutors then argued that house arrest does not eliminate the risk that Kelly poses to minor girls, saying, âThe defendant can entice girls to his own doorstep, he doesnât have to leave his home to do that.âÂ
Kellyâs next hearing in Illinois will take place on September 4th.