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R. Kelly will remain in jail during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly denied the disgraced singer’s request to be released citing he is not among the inmates who are most endangered by the disease.

She also noted that she believes R. Kelly is still a high flight risk.

Related: R. Kelly Calls Alleged Victims ‘Disgruntled Groupies’

The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses. The defendant has not explained how those risks have changed.

Kellz is currently being held at the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center where he’s awaiting trial on sexual misconduct, racketeering, and multiple charges in three jurisdictions.

On March 26, his attorney filed a request for R. Kelly to be placed on home confinement at the Roosevelt Collections Loft apartment complex in Chicago because new prison restrictions due to COVID-19 prevented them from meeting with him to prepare him for trial. 

They also noted the 53-year-old singer’s recent surgery makes him more susceptible to a severe bout of Coronavirus.

Prosecutors wrote, “Simply residing in MCC Chicago cannot be a basis for being released.”

Source: Variety