R. Kelly shows up in court; may still face jail
R. KELLY | Singer misses court date when tour bus detained
The judge presiding over R & B superstar R. Kelly’s child pornography case is considering jailing the singer or prohibiting him from touring, he said today.
Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan made the remarks after Kelly missed a scheduled court appearance Wednesday morning. Today, as Kelly stood before the bench with his lawyers, Gaughan told the singer, “I’m very disappointed.”
(Jean Lachat/Sun-Times)
Gaughan told Kelly he was already being given a break by being allowed to travel around the country. The 40-year-old singer is currently on a 45-city tour, with an appearance at the United Center scheduled for tomorrow night.
“I’m telling you these are extraordinary matters to have this break given to yourself, and then nobody shows up except your attorneys,” Gaughan said.
Gaughan is scheduled to hear arguments Friday on whether or not Kelly’s bail should be revoked. He will also set a trial date Friday, he said.
Assistant State’s Attorney Shauna Boliker noted Kelly’s court appearance was originally set for Tuesday, but was switched to Wednesday to accommodate him. She asked Gaughan to revoke Kelly’s bond because of the “brazenness” of his behavior.
Defense lawyer Ed Genson noted Kelly had made over 100 court appearances, and had asked for permission to travel out of town 30 times. “He has not violated Your Honor’s trust with respect to those times,” Genson said.
Kelly missed Wednesday’s court date because the Utah Highway Patrol stopped his tour bus for several hours, according to Genson. Kelly was on his way back from a Sacramento concert at the time, and a snow storm contributed to the delay, Genson said Wednesday.
Kelly is charged with child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl estimated to be 13 or 14. He has pleaded not guilty in the case, which has been pending since 2002.