Sun-Times, Trib team up, fight R. Kelly case secrecy

COURT CHALLENGE | Papers ask judge to unseal files, lift gag order

The Chicago Sun-Times and the Tribune Company joined forces Tuesday in a legal challenge to secrecy measures imposed by the judge in the R. Kelly child pornography case.

The papers asked Judge Vincent Gaughan to unseal court documents and provide transcripts of hearings closed to the public. The newspapers also asked Gaughan not to close future proceedings and to lift an order that effectively bars lawyers from talking about the case.

“The public’s rights of access to court proceedings are firmly rooted in the common law and the First Amendment,” lawyers for the newspapers wrote.

Kelly, 41, is charged with child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl estimated to be 13 or 14. Kelly, of Olympia Fields, has pleaded not guilty. Jury selection starts May 9.

The information under seal includes an April 1 filing in which prosecutors sought to bring in evidence of other alleged crimes by Kelly.