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Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff |
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R. Kelly Records Stay Sealed
Produced by Natalie Moore on Friday, May 16, 2008
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A judge ruled today that he would not unseal records in the R. Kelly trial pornography case.
Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan wrote in his ruling that the sealed proceedings would result in abundant publicity. And that would influence the jury.
The trial has garnered international attention. The judge says his concern is giving Kelly a fair trial. The superstar singer is accused of videotaping having sex with a girl as young as 13.
Chicago Public Radio, the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Associated Press sought to make public the various paperwork from closed-door hearings. In addition to documents such as the witness list.
Lawyers for the media outlets say they need to study the judge’s eight-page opinion. An appeal is not ruled out. Gaughan hinted that he might release the jury questionnaire early next week. It contains at least 135 questions.
The jury pool was selected Thursday. Opening statements begin next Tuesday.
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