To Open R. Kelly Investigation, Cook County State’s Attorney Seeks Victims, Witnesses
By WBEZ StaffTo Open R. Kelly Investigation, Cook County State’s Attorney Seeks Victims, Witnesses
By WBEZ StaffThe Cook County state’s attorney is encouraging victims of sexual assault or domestic violence related to allegations against singer R. Kelly to contact her office.
At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said her office relies heavily on victim accounts and witness statements to prosecute such cases and that without it, “there is nothing that can be done to investigate these allegations.”
Foxx said her office has received calls from two families who believe their missing relatives were with Kelly in the Chicago area in the last few years. Both relatives are over 18, Foxx said.
Foxx, who is a survivor of sexual assault, said she was “sickened” by Surviving R. Kelly, a Lifetime docu-series broadcast last week, which included new allegations against Kelly.
“The recent allegations against entertainer R. Kelly and the recent Lifetime docu-series are deeply, deeply disturbing,” Foxx said. “It is our job here at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to investigate claims in the interest of justice and of public safety.”
Kelly, a Chicago native, has long been the target of a wide range of sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied.
Kelly is now reportedly being investigated by law enforcement in the state of Georgia. Foxx said her office is not actively investigating Kelly and has not been in contact with authorities in Georgia.
Foxx indicated she could open an investigation if witnesses do come forward.