The Cook County State’s Attorney Office filed 11 new sex abuse-related charges against R. Kelly on Thursday, including felonies which carry sentencing terms of up to 30 years in prison, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The abuse in question allegedly took place in January, 2010.
According to R. Kelly's lawyer, Steve Greenberg, the victim who brought the charges against the singer is the "same alleged victim." He also disputed claims that this development involves a "new case" asserting that Kelly was "recharged in an existing case."
The charges brought against Kelly on Thursday include four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, which is designated as a "Class X" felony, the harshest in Illinois aside from first-degree murder. The other charges include two counts of criminal sexual assault by force, two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor between 13 and 16-years-old.
In February, the singer's bond was set to $1 million after he was charged with 10 counts of felony criminal sexual abuse involving four women, three of whom were between 13-16 when the alleged abuses occurred. However, in the previous indictment, R. Kelly faced lower-level felonies, unlike the charges brought against him on Thursday.
The Cook County State's Attorney office has yet to comment on the case.
