Wonder what's going on here….

R. Kelly Lawyers Withdraw Ahead of Upcoming August Trial

Aila Slisco 8 hrs ago

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/r-kelly-lawyers-withdraw-ahead-of-upcoming-august-trial/ar-AAKOhjU?ocid=msedgntp

Lawyers for singer R. Kelly have asked a judge for permission to withdraw from his federal racketeering case about two months before the case was set to go to trial.

Kelly's trial is set to begin in New York City on August 9. The singer, who has been in custody since his July 2019 arrest, is accused of recruiting women and underage girls for "illegal sexual activity."

In a letter to District Judge Ann M. Donnelly dated June 8, Kelly's lawyer Steve Greenberg said that he and co-counsel Mike Leonard would no longer be able to "properly represent" Kelly "under the current circumstances."

"On behalf of myself and Mr. Leonard, we respectfully request leave to withdraw our appearances as counsel of record in this matter," wrote Greenberg. "While we realize that this request comes close to trial—and although we are ready to proceed to trial as scheduled in August—our reasons for withdrawal are significant and it is impossible, in our belief, for us to continue to properly represent Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances. If the court deems it necessary, we are willing to serving as effective stand-by counsel."

"The government was advised of our position and reasons in a phone call," Greenberg added. "We are requesting that the Court set our request for a hearing."

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.