R. Kelly’s Lawyers Request to be Removed Before the Federal Trial

WLS-TV reports that two key attorneys for R. Kelly have requested to withdraw from the singer’s pending federal sex trafficking prosecution in Brooklyn, barely two months before it is slated to begin. On Monday, attorneys Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard filed withdrawal forms that have yet to be authorized.

Greenberg wrote to U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly, “Our reasons for withdrawal are significant, and it is impossible, in our belief, for us to be able to continue to properly represent Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances.” The two Chicago lawyers also stated that they “are willing to (serve) as effective stand-by counsel” if the court deems it essential.

The request comes after Greenberg and Leonard apparently disagreed with the other attorneys on Kelly’s defense team.

In a statement issued to TMZ, the two attorneys said, We refused to try a case with lawyers who don’t have the appropriate level of experience and skill because that is not in the client’s best interest,” the statement continued “It is a shame that lawyers can’t suppress their own egos or self-interest and do or act in the client’s best interest.”

Attorneys Douglas Anton, Thomas Farinella, and Nicole Becker are also representing Kelly. “Mr. Kelly terminated both lawyers prior to filing their motion.”

Kelly’s trial in New York is set to begin on August 9. Racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, forced labor, kidnapping, inducement, and bribery are among the counts he faces. R. Kelly has been detained at Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial on sexual abuse accusations in Chicago.