According to reports, a judge has ruled in favor of the prosecution in appointing an anonymous jury to hear R. Kelly's federal trial in New York. US District Judge Ann M. Donnelly granted a motion on Kelly's federal racketeering and sex trafficking case.
"Empaneling an anonymous jury is appropriate given the seriousness of the charges, the defendant's history of obstructing the judicial process, the potential for juror intimidation and the intensity of media attention given to this case," Donnelly wrote in her ruling.
The singer is facing multiple federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Among those include violations of the Mann Act, which prohibits trafficking people across state lines for prostitution or sexual activity.
Prosecutors argued earlier this year that an anonymous jury should be appointed to prevent Kelly from influencing panel members. Judge Donnelly also noted in her ruling that there is "evidence of obstructive conduct by others, including the defendant's associates." This refers to three Kelly associates who are facing federal charges for allegedly using threats, intimidation, and bribes in efforts to influence testimony by victims.
What's more, Donnelly explained how Kelly's defense team did little to dissuade her decision. "The defense cites no authority, and the Court is not aware of any, for the proposition that background investigations are a necessary component of jury selection in a criminal case," Donnelly wrote. "Social media will become a tool for the harassment and intimidation of the jurors should their identities be made public," she added.
R. Kelly was scheduled to begin trial in Brooklyn in September. However, the COVID-19 has halted the trial with no official start date determined.
Source: abc7chicago.com
