ATLANTA — Singer R. Kelly has been charged by Chicago prosecutors with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse.
The news comes after years of allegations that the R&B star, whose real name is Robert Kelly, was sexually abusing women and underage girls. Attorney Michael Avenatti said recently he gave Chicago prosecutors new video evidence of R&B star having sex with an underage girl.
Friday, a lawyer for an Atlanta family who alleges their daughter is a victim of the singer, is hoping that the new charges will lead to their family being reunited. Joycelyn Savage’s family claims Kelly has held their daughter captive since 2016 as a part of a sex cult.
While this Atlanta case is separate from the Chicago charges, the Atlanta family's attorney, Gerald Griggs, released a statement Friday about R. Kelly's charges:
“More than two years ago when the Savage family first approached me about this case, I quickly recognized that multiple crimes were committed. I’ve repeatedly asked law enforcement to investigate this case and provided evidence directly linked to Robert Kelly. Today, a Grand Jury found the evidence we provided was sufficient for trial. We knew eventually that this day would come. We are hopeful now that with an indictment and the arrest of Mr. Kelly that Joycelyn Savage will soon be reunited with her family.”
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx on Friday afternoon announced the 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. They involve four victims, at least three of whom were younger than 17. Foxx said the sentencing range for aggravated sexual assault is up to seven years in prison.
In 2008, a jury acquitted Kelly of child pornography charges over a graphic video that prosecutors said showed him having sex with a girl as young as 13.
Over the years, Kelly has consistently denied any sexual misconduct. The allegations resurfaced earlier this year when Lifetime aired the documentary "Surviving R. Kelly."
Kelly is scheduled to appear in bond court Saturday in Chicago.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.