Singer R Kelly charged with sexual abuse in Chicago

International Desk: R Kelly has been charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, at least nine of which involve minors.

The R&B star, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has faced decades of claims of sexual abuse against women and teenagers below the age of consent.

He has never been convicted and has previously denied other allegations.

An arrest warrant was issued, and the 52-year-old turned himself in to police in Chicago later on Friday. His lawyer says he is "shell-shocked".

Steve Greenberg told a news agency that his client was "extraordinarily disappointed and depressed" by the charges and maintains his innocence.

The indictment come just weeks after a documentary series called Surviving R Kelly aired.

It contained decades of allegations of abuse against R Kelly, from many women, including the singer's ex-wife.

Prosecutors in Cook County announced the aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges, involving four victims, on Friday.

They say they took place between 1998 and 2010. Documents say at least three of the victims were aged between 13 and 16 at the time of their reported assaults.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said he could face a maximum of seven years in prison for each count.

Source: BBC


risingbd/Feb 23, 2019/Mukul