R Kelly has been indicted on ten counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving four alleged victims.
Kelly is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday Chicago time for a bail hearing, with his arraignment scheduled for March 8th, which also happens to be International Women’s Day.
R. Kelly is set to appear in court on March 8, the International Day of Women to face 10 accounts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
That's poetic justice. https://t.co/qq6YcSm5tb
— Samy Nemir-Olivares (@Samynemir) February 22, 2019
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the alleged incidents span from 1998 to 2010. Three of the four alleged victims were between the ages of 13 to 16 when the incidents took place, and each count of aggravated criminal sexual conduct carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
The announcement follows years of rumours, that culminated in an online campaign called #MuteRKelly and a documentary, Surviving R Kelly, that aired in the US last month. Kelly has strongly denied all accusations.
R. Kelly's arrest is the culmination of DECADES of work by Black women activists, and the brave victims, who have been demanding justice.
Sending love and light to Kelly's victims. No matter what happens, we stand with you.
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) February 22, 2019
It also follows the convening of a grand jury in Chicago earlier this month. The grand jury was convened as a result of new allegations against Kelly, including lawyer Michael Avenatti announcing he had handed over a video to the State’s Attorney’s Office that he claimed showed Kelly having sex with an underage girl.
Avenatti told reporters:
“This tape leaves no question as to whether R. Kelly is guilty of multiple sexual, illegal acts against a 14-year-old girl.”
He also said that Chicago prosecutor Kimberly Foxx’s investigation was “very thorough … dedicated and methodical.”
On Thursday, two more women came forward, accompanied by lawyer Gloria Allred, to accuse Kelly of sexual misconduct that allegedly took place when they were minors.
Alleged victim Latresa Scaff says that R. Kelly offered her alcohol, marijuana and cocaine at the concert after-party. At the time of the attack, she says she was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol and could not consent. pic.twitter.com/aODCef0eZg
— Katie Conway (@Real_MaryK8) February 21, 2019
During the arraignment on March 8th, R Kelly will be expected to enter a plea.