R&B singer and accused sex offender R. Kelly has been hit with 11 new felony charges, including three pertaining to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
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The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Kelly was yesterday charged with a litany of new offences:
The new case charges Kelly with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, two counts of criminal sexual assault by force, two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against a victim between the ages of 13 to 16.
Those four aggravated criminal sexual assault charges are deemed ‘Class X’ felonies in the state of Illinois, which carry the heaviest potential penalty of any charges he faces. If found guilty, each charge could result in a maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars.
The new charges come after 52-year-old was indicted in February on ten counts of criminal sexual abuse against four alleged victims. He pleaded not guilty to those charges and was granted USD$1 million (AUD$1.47 million) bond.
The new charges reportedly relate to an alleged 2010 incident. It is unclear if the charges relate to an earlier alleged victim; the Sun-Times reports the charges pertain to an accuser whose initials match those used to file some of Kelly’s prior charges.
Kelly has vehemently proclaimed his innocence of the earlier charges. Speaking to the media, Kelly’s lawyer Steve Greenberg said he was aware of the new charges and will “proceed accordingly.”
His client is slated to appear before court on June 6.
If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
