HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — R. Kelly’s former manager, James Mason, has been formally charged for allegedly threatening the family of a young woman for speaking out against the singer.
James Mason was indicted on one felony count of making terrorist threats, according to the Henry County District Attorney's Office.
Mason turned himself in to Henry County authorities back in January for allegedly intimidating the family of Joycelyn Savage, a woman reportedly being held captive by the singer. He later posted $10,000 bond and was released.
The charges, dating back to May 2018, claim the Savage family has been “bullied” months before the controversial Lifetime series "Surviving R. Kelly" aired, the family’s attorney said.
Joycelyn Savage’s father, Timothy Savage, told police that he received a call from Mason on May 23, 2018, in which Mason threatened to kill him after watching an interview with the Savage family on the BBC, according to the Henry County arrest warrant.
Mason allegedly called Savage later and said, “I’m gonna do harm to you and your family” during the call, also stating “I am going to f---ing kill you.” According to the warrant, Savage had the call on speaker phone and his youngest daughter heard the comments, along with another person listening on the line.
After Mason's indictment Thursday, the Savages' family attorney Gerald Griggs issued a statement saying the formal charges send a clear message to R. Kelly and his associates.
“Today's indictment ... further underscores the public accountability that victims and families are pressing on Mr. Kelly and his team. The Savage family will not be bullied or threatened in their quest to reunite with Joycelyn," the statement said. "Let this be a message to all associates of Robert Sylvester Kelly that the Savages are serious about justice and accountability."