Jason Merritt/Getty Images for BET
R. Kelly was arrested in Chicago on Thursday night on a 13-count indictment.
A federal law enforcement source confirms to E! News that the 52-year-old singer was arrested by NYPD and Homeland Security Agents.
“[Kelly] was indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court on 5 counts and 13 counts in the Northern District of Illinois,” the source tells E News. “He will be arraigned today in Chicago Federal Court.”
The source also adds, “He was arrested after going out for a smoke and with a dog in front of his residence.”
A Department of Homeland Security source also shares with E! News, “[Kelly] is expected to go before a judge this morning in Chicago at which time all charges against him, including those in New York, will be unsealed.”
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, Kelly is in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, Chicago.
“R Kelly was arrested in Chicago tonight on charges contained in a 13-count indictment returned today in the Northern District of Illinois,” a statement from the attorney’s office said Thursday (via ABC News). “The indictment includes charges of child pornography and obstruction of justice.”
Kelly, who has faced numerous sexual abuse allegations over the years, has continuously denied all of the claims.
“We will be holding a press conference on Monday morning in Chicago to discuss the most recent charges in the R. Kelly matter,” attorney Michael Avenatti tweeted overnight. “The courage and contributions of my clients greatly assisted in bringing nearly 3 decades of sexual abuse to a permanent end. They deserve our respect.”
Kelly’s attorney, Steve Greenberg, released a statement via Twitter on Friday, saying that Kelly and his lawyers “look forward to his day in court.”
Don’t miss E! News every weeknight at 7, only on E!
Be the first to comment