R. Kelly files motions for a new trial or reversal
On Tuesday, R. Kelly filed two motions in federal court in Chicago, asking for a new trial or to dismiss the charges of child pornography and sexual violence, writes the Chicago Tribune. reports.
A combative R&B artist has been found guilty in September on three counts of child pornography. He was acquitted of conspiracy to obstruct justice in a child pornography trial in 2008 and a fourth count of child pornography.
In Tuesday’s motions, Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bongen, sought acquittal on all counts. Bonjen argued, among other things, that there was no evidence that Kelly “coerced” his underage victims and that a witness made false statements in court.
Bonjen alleged that Dr. Darrell Turner, a sexual predator expert called by the government to testify, made false statements, including detailing the amount of money he offered the prosecution.
“Had the jury known that Dr. Turner had actively misled them, the jury would likely have rejected his testimony outright,” Bonjen wrote, according to the Tribune.
Kelly was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking in New York. His sentencing on the federal charges is scheduled for February 23.
https://wgntv.com/news/r-kelly-trial/r-kelly-files-motions-for-new-trial-or-reversal-of-conviction/