Musician R. Kelly departs from the Leighton Criminal Court building after a status hearing in his criminal sexual abuse trial Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) - Prosecutors have turned over to R. Kelly's attorneys a tape they say shows the singer having sex with a minor girl two decades ago.
The judge in the case said he hopes that at least one of the four cases against Kelly will go to trial early next year.
Cook County Judge Lawrence Flood asked prosecutors during a Wednesday hearing to decide which of four indictments they want to proceed with first. A 2020 trial would stand in contrast to what happened in the same courthouse when Kelly's 2008 child pornography trail didn't begin until six years after he was charged. He was acquitted on all charges.
Kelly faces sex-related charges involving four women, three of whom were minors when the alleged abuse occurred. He has pleaded not guilty.
A supporter of R. Kelly protests in front of the Leighton Criminal Court building ahead of his arrival for an arraignment on sex-related felonies Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press
R&B singer R. Kelly, center, arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court building for an arraignment on sex-related felonies Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press
R&B singer R. Kelly, center, arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court building for an arraignment on sex-related felonies Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press
Musician R. Kelly, right, departs from the Leighton Criminal Court building after a status hearing in his criminal sexual abuse trial Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press
Musician R. Kelly departs from the Leighton Criminal Court building after a status hearing in his criminal sexual abuse trial Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press
R&B singer R. Kelly arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court building for an arraignment on sex-related felonies Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)
The Associated Press