R. Kelly Moves to General Population as Judge Sets April Trial Date

R. Kelly is scheduled to go on trial next April in his federal sex crimes case.

The R&B singer, who is facing sexual abuse, child pornography, and obstruction of justice charges, appeared at a hearing Wednesday in Chicago. He wore orange jail-issued clothes, and stood with his hands behind his back, according to The Associated Press.

A judge set an April 27, 2020 trial date, but said it could be pushed back since Kelly is facing similar charges in other cases.

Defense lawyer Steve Greenberg told the court April is too soon with the singer battling cases in Cook County, Illinois, New York, and Minnesota.

Related Story: R. Kelly Rep Resigns After Throwing Singer Under the Bus

Meanwhile, prosecutors confirmed Kelly was transferred to the general population area of Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center on Tuesday. The move followed a complaint by the defense saying Kelly was subjected to “cruel and unusual punishment” while being held in solitary confinement.

Prosecutors had earlier pushed back and said Kelly “was not in solitary confinement,” adding that he had a cellmate for weeks, despite initially insisting he “didn’t have to take a cellie.”

R. Kelly’s attorney says they will also be asking the judge to reconsider releasing him on bond into a “secure facility” with his two girlfriends. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/LyZ6O7wTIA

— Megan Hickey (@MeganHickeyTV) September 4, 2019

After Wednesday’s hearing, Kelly’s lawyers told reporters they plan to ask a judge to reconsider releasing the singer on bail.

Kelly’s next hearing is on Sept. 18. The Grammy-winning performer has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.