30 January 2023 , 23:01
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Sex-abuse charges against disgraced R&B musician R Kelly will be dropped by a prosecutor who believes that enough "justice has been served".
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has announced her decision surrounding state charges accusing him of sexually abusing four people, three of whom were minors.
Despite admitting the decision "may be disappointing" to those who have accused the I Believe I Can Fly artist of crimes, the attorney "believes justice has been served".
"Mr. Kelly is looking at the possibility of never walking out of prison again," they said after announcing that the charges would be dropped, reports the Associated Press.
More sex-abuse charges against R Kelly will be dropped (Getty Images)Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June last year, after being convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking.
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It was in September of last year that he was also convicted of several child pornography and sex abuse charges in his hometown of Chicago.
The Grammy winner was found guilty on three counts of child pornography and three counts of child enticement.
At his sentencing Kelly was branded "the pied piper of R&B" as he came face to face with several of his victims who detailed his "deplorable and inexplicable" abuse, which took place over decades.
The singer, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is known for songs including his first number one single Bump N’ Grind and 1996 hit I Believe I Can Fly.
The attorney believes 'justice has been served' (AFP/Getty Images)The latter became an inspirational anthem played at school graduations, weddings, in advertisements and elsewhere, including the inauguration of former US president Barack Obama in 2008.
The latest revelations come after last September's news that R Kelly would be required to pay $309,000 in restitution to one of the victims of his decades-long scheme to use his fame to sexually exploit young aspiring singers and underage children.
A restitution order by US District Judge Ann Connelly, that is still being finalised, is intended to cover the cost of treatment for the victim's herpes and psychotherapy.
The victim, who remains anonymous, has accused the singer of giving her the sexually transmitted disease during one of their encounters.
Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June last year (AFP via Getty Images)Kelly could also be made to pay tens of thousands of dollars to a second victim. The judge rejected a claim by a third accuser.
The Grammy-winning songwriter appeared at the hearing in federal court in Brooklyn via video from a lockup in Chicago.
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He only spoke to exchange greetings with the judge and to turn down an offer to say more. None of the victims were in attendance.
The question now becomes when and how Kelly will pay the restitution.
R Kelly was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking (Getty Images)Prosecutors claim he has access to as much as $5million to go along with about $28,000 seized from his inmate commissary account that defence attorney Jennifer Bonjean said was made up of donations from fans.
Jennifer told the judge that Kelly has no access to any other funds because of judgments in civil cases brought against him. She also insisted that her client has always been clueless about his finances.
* If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999