Convicted R&B superstar R. Kelly’s defense attorney argued Tuesday he deserved to get a new trial or be acquitted on technical grounds despite a federal jury in Chicago finding him guilty on child pornography charges this summer.
The arguments advanced by Kelly defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean mostly echo the ones she made during Kelly’s trial at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. That trial ended with Kelly’s conviction on three counts of producing child pornography and three counts of enticing a minor into criminal sexual activity.
Bonjean wrote in a pair of motions that prosecutors failed to prove all of the elements required to convict Kelly for those crimes. She said their evidence failed to show Kelly sexually abused a teenage girl for the "purpose" of producing child pornography, or that the images moved in interstate or foreign commerce, such as crossing state lines.
She also wrote that prosecutors failed to show Kelly took steps to "persuade, induce, entice, or coerce" three victims into sexual activity.Finally, she argued that an expert witness offered by prosecutors who testified about the grooming of minors into sexual abuse testified falsely about his hourly rate and the amount of time he spent preparing for trial. She said he testified his rate was $250 when his contract really called for $450.
The motions filed by Bonjean on Tuesday are routine and rarely granted. Prosecutors are set to respond by Dec. 6. Kelly is already serving a 30-year prison sentence for a racketeering conviction in New York. His time behind bars is likely to increase when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber.All the news you need to know, every day
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago weather: 1st measurable snow of season to begin during Tuesday morning rush hourSnow is in the Chicago weather forecast for Tuesday. Snow will be falling during the morning rush hour, with accumulations of up to 3 inches.
Read more »
Chicago Area Prepares for Slippery Tuesday Morning Commute as Snow ExpectedWhile the Chicago area saw summer-like conditions in recent weeks, weather of a much different sort is expected Tuesday. The region is expected to see its first measurable snowfall, with widespread snow showers beginning at around 5 a.m. With a winter weather advisory set to go into effect, many people could experience traffic delays and a slushy commute to work…
Read more »
Ex-Chicago Bulls Player Ben Gordon Arrested after Attack on McDonald's Security Guard in ChicagoEx-Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon was arrested and charged with physically assaulting two security guards in a Chicago McDonald’s last Friday.
Read more »
First Look: Chicago Style Dog’s, The Newest Player in the Chicago Grub Food SceneChicago Style Dog's is another entry into the Chicago hot dog scene in North Texas from a couple originally from the 'burbs of Chicagoland but now doing business in Garland.
Read more »
Chicago Weather Radar: Track The Snow Spreading Across Chicago, SuburbsA winter weather went into effect at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning across the Chicago area, with 2-5 inches of snow expected to fall in some locations throughout the day.
Read more »
Photos: From Lisle to Gurnee, Here's What The First Snow Across the Chicago Suburbs Looks LikeFrom Lisle to Gurnee, Here's What The First Snow Across the Chicago Suburbs Looks Like
Read more »