R. Kelly’s Request To Be Released From Jail and Move in With Joycelyn Savage Due To Coronavirus Pandemic Has Been Denied

R. Kelly has been trying to come up with excuses to get out of jail and the latest is the coronavirus pandemic. One of his upcoming trials regarding sex crimes with young girls is in July and he’s been saying that he can’t meet with his lawyers because of the virus.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Kelly’s request to be released has been denied. He is still being viewed as a flight risk. His claim of the facility he’s incarcerated at (MCC in Chicago) being a place that will be infected with COVID-19 was also overlooked. The judge said there’s no cases of the virus at MCC.

“[Kelly] is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses. The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed.”

The judge also added that the Bureau of Prisons have been taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus in these facilities. Among the moves are suspending social visits and inmate transfers. Kelly also isn’t in the “at-risk” category for contracting the virus. Kelly also had hernia surgery but the judge isn’t buying that as a reason to be released either.

“He does not explain how his surgical history places him at a higher risk of severe illness. Moreover, officials in Chicago have advised the government that doctors have completed all treatment for the defendant’s recent operation.”

Despite not seeing his lawyers in person, Kelly is still able to contact them through phone calls and emails. The trial is in July but the judge believes that it won’t start on time as planned. As part of this plan to get released from jail, Kelly wanted to move in with his girlfriend, Joycelyn Savage, at her apartment. This is near an outdoor shopping mall where many young girls are present and this may also have been a factor in this denied request.