Jury selection began Monday in R. Kelly’s long-awaited Brooklyn sex trafficking trial, which has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Judge Ann Donnelly questioned potential jurors, asking if they could remain impartial throughout the trial. The disgraced singer is facing numerous charges, including child sexual abuse, racketeering, and bribery.
Kelly, 54, is accused of using his employees, including managers and bodyguards, to recruit women and girls to have sex with him. Prosecutors believe victims were selected at some of the singer’s concerts and traveled from other states to see Kelly. The charges involve a half dozen women and girls, none named in the court filing.
The Grammy Award-winning star has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. He has denied any wrongdoing and maintained his innocence.
Opening statements are set to begin on August 18. The trial could potentially last weeks. If convicted, Kelly faces a hefty sentence.
He is also facing similar charges in Minnesota and Illinois. Kelly’s Chicago trial was scheduled to begin in September, but that may change depending on the outcome of the New York Case. Federal
