The criminal case against R. Kelly is finally headed to trial. At a hearing in Chicago today (August 1), Judge Vincent Gaughan decided Kelly‘s trial will begin on September 17.
Kelly was charged with 21 counts of child pornography in 2002 (seven of which were later dropped) for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl prosecutors claim was only 14 years old at the time. Kelly pleaded not guilty
The trial’s delay is unusually long; other child-pornography trials usually begin within a year or two of charges being filed. But Kelly
exercised his right to decline a speedy trial, and also the pre-trial phase was a lengthy process since the defense filed over 30 motions to be heard. Other delays were due to time spent on unrelated cases presided over by Judge Gaughan and unexpected postponements, such as when Kelly needed emergency surgery for a burst appendix in February.
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“As Robert [Kelly] said many times, he believes in our system of justice,” a spokesperson for the singer told MTV News. “He is looking forward to finally having his day in court. He’s confident that when all the facts come out, it will be clear he’s not guilty of any crime.”
If Kelly is convicted of the charges, he faces a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
