R Kelly has sued the Brooklyn jail that housed him since his conviction for racketeering and sex crimes, saying it wrongly placed him on suicide watch.
Key points:
- Kelly says her high profile is a contributing factor.
- The singer-songwriter was convicted last year of extortion and sex trafficking.
- The file suggests that Kelly is seeking $100 million.
In a complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn, the 55-year-old R&B singer said officials at the Metropolitan Detention Center ordered the watch after his June 29 sentence “solely for punitive purposes” and because he was an “inmate.” high profile.”
Kelly received a 30-year prison sentence and was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 ($145,000).
Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, quoted a prosecutor as saying that jail counsel had told her that “according to the psychology department, [Kelly] he’s on psychological alert for various reasons, including age, crime, publicity, and sentence.”
No schedule provided.
Kelly is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, although the record suggests Kelly is seeking $100 million.
The jail did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Known for the 1996 Grammy-winning hit I Believe I Can Fly, Kelly was convicted last September of one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation of people across state lines for prostitution. .
Prosecutors said Kelly exploited his stardom and wealth over two decades to lure underage women and girls into his sexual orbit, with the help of his entourage.
Kelly said he was also placed on suicide watch after his conviction.
Friday’s filings did not say what specific conditions Kelly faced.
Kelly still faces trial in August in federal court in Chicago on obstruction and child pornography charges, and various state charges in Illinois and Minnesota.
Reuters