Jailed R. Kelly fan released after apology

Debra Triplett's devotion to R. Kelly earned her 34 days behind bars. An apology secured her freedom.

Judge Vincent Gaughan, who presided over the Kelly child pornography trial that concluded this month with a not guilty verdict, jailed the 48-year-old fan for contempt of court after she shouted "Free R. Kelly" outside the courtroom on May 22.

"I'm sorry for speaking out in your court," said Triplett Wednesday in an apology to Gaughan.

While acknowledging that her outburst didn't affect the proceedings, Gaughan admonished her nevertheless, saying she "could have deprived the state or Mr. Kelly of a fair trial."

Triplett, most recently of Aurora, had been at the criminal courts building that day on a matter involving her son. When she heard Kelly was in the building, she went to the fifth-floor courtroom where his trial was taking place hoping to see him.

Arrested for contempt of court and unable to post the $5,000 her $50,000 bond required, she's been in jail since.

Accepting Triplett's guilty plea, Gaughan sentenced her to 30 days, with credit for time served and ordered her release.