American singer, R. Kelly, who is awaiting sentencing after being convicted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, has contacted Covid-19 at the federal jail in Brooklyn, New York.
The singer who was diagnosed recently with the virus has been given a two-week extension on Tuesday after his lawyer pleaded with the judge. An opportunity that extends R. Kelly’s deadline to file an appeal in his lawsuit.
According to the presiding judge, Ann Donnelly has said the singer has from February 17 to begin his September 2021 conviction on the charges that he had sex with underage girls and bribed a state employee to create a fake ID card so he could marry Aaliyah, a 15-year-old music artist.
But R. Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, who filed ahead of the judge’s decision said on her Twitter page on Tuesday that the singer’s Covid-19 diagnosis “interfered with his ability to speak with counsel by telephone” to review his post-trial paperwork.
Bonjean stated that “It is vitally important that Mr. Kelly meaningfully participates in his post-trial defense.”
“The (jail) has not indicated when visits will resume which is less than ideal, but undersigned counsel is confident that she can accomplish necessary discussions with Mr. Kelly via upcoming scheduled Zoom visits”
She also stated that her client was faring “well” following his infection.
“Understandably, many people are concerned about Mr. Kelly’s health and well-being (as am I). Mr. Kelly is doing well, but there is no question that MDC’s Covid policies are putting all inmates in harm’s way.
However, R. Kelly risks the chance of 10 years minimum and maximum of life imprisonment if sentenced in May.
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