R. Kelly is set to go to trial in less than three months, and now his attorneys are accusing prosecutors of withholding evidence in his case.
A motion was filed on Sunday in Brooklyn federal court, and Kelly’s attorney Michael Leonard argued the evidence should have been turned over months ago. According to The Chicago Tribune, he claimed that by withholding “crucial” evidence, the defense would be severely disadvantaged when the case goes to trial.
“The only reason that these materials are being withheld is to allow the government to gain a tactical advantage and as gamesmanship,” Leonard’s motion stated. “This action is decidedly not one that should be based upon trial by surprise or trial with only an opportunity for one side to meaningfully prepare.”
The motion is asking for all of the evidence to be turned over to the defense. Judge Ann Donnelly scheduled a pretrial conference for February 7, when it will be decided if prosecutors failed to turn over evidence. Kelly’s trial is set to begin on April 7.
Kelly has been held without bail at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago since he was arrested on federal charges in July 2019. In addition to the New York case, he faces multiple federal charges of sexual abuse in Chicago. The 54-year-old singer has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges he is facing.
