CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual assault
R. Kelly has been taken into custody for unpaid child support, following being released on bail just last week.
According to CNN, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago says Kelly owes his ex wife, Drea Kelly, US $161,663 (AUS $229,965) in child support. Kelly attended a Chicago court yesterday and was taken into custody after failing to pay the owed money. Any amount over $20k is a felony in Illinois. Kelly owed the amount as of 6th February.
Kelly was reportedly ordered by the court to pay $20,833 a month back in 2009 and failed to show up to that court hearing, according to state documents. He was then ordered to pay $161,663 by 6th March to avoid being held in contempt of court.
Last week the disgraced R&B singer was released on bail after US $100,000 (AUS $139,762) was posted on his behalf, following his arrest for 10 counts of sexual abuse.
At a previous bail hearing for his alleged sexual abuse crimes, Kelly’s lawyer, Steven Greenberg said his finances were a mess, due to his ongoing legal issues. Greenberg is yet to comment on Kelly’s latest hearing.
If Kelly is found guilty of the 10 counts of sexual abuse he could face up to 70 years in jail.
Just yesterday Kelly denied the allegations against him in an interview with CBS.