A federal judge in New York has denied bail to R&B singer R. Kelly in his sex abuse case, ruling that he poses a flight risk and a potential threat to witnesses. U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly made the decision during a hearing on Wednesday, though Kelly was not present in court.
Prosecutors argued that Kelly, whose full name is Robert Kelly, should remain behind bars while awaiting trial. The singer is accused of using his celebrity status to recruit young women and girls for illegal sexual activity.
Kelly is currently being held in Chicago on related charges, where a separate judge has yet to rule on a similar bail request. His trial in New York is scheduled to begin on May 18, following an April 27 trial in Chicago.
