R. Kelly has been indicted on at least ten counts of sexual abuse.
The Cook County State’s Attorney has formally brought criminal charges against R. Kelly. The singer reportedly turned himself in to police along with his attorney. If he is convicted on these charges, he could be sent to prison for decades. The R&B legend has been the subject of a criminal investigation into his years of alleged sexual abuse against underage girls. Last week, attorney Michael Avenatti released a lengthy statement saying that he is in possession of a 45-minute long video showing the singer sexually abusing underage girls.
The video was turned over to the Cook County State Attorney office. After a reviewing the tape, the Attorney’s office filed almost a dozen charges, TMZ reported. The majority of the charges, at least 9 out of the ten counts, involve victims in the age of 13 to 16 years old at the time of the recordings. At least one of the young girls is involved in four of the ten counts.
Each count carries a maximum sentencing of three to seven years in Illinois. Additionally, criminal sexual abuse charges are class two felony in the state.
The site reported that two women testified before a grand jury last week and they were convincing enough for the indictment to come within a week after their testimony. One of the women provided physical evidence to support her allegations against R. Kelly.
Avenatti told reporters that he uncovered the tape during a month-long investigation on behalf of his client. He said the girl in the tape is believed to be fourteen years old, but it’s still unclear how long ago the video was shot. Nevertheless, he said that he is confident that it’s still within the statute of limitations, which means he can still be tried in court.
