Over the course of the past two years, we’ve witnessed the downfalls of many powerful men in the entertainment industry.
But at times, it’s seemed that for every Harvey Weinstein — a wealthy and influential predator finally brought to justice – there was at least one R. Kelly – a predator who’s the ability to evade justice has been a source of torment for his dozens of alleged victims.
Now, however, after decades of frustration, it looks as though investigators might finally be on the verge of bringing the scandalous singer to justice.
Multiple media outlets have now confirmed that Kelly was arrested at his home in Chicago on Thursday night.
Sources say NYPD detectives and Homeland Security agents apprehended Kelly in connection with a thirteen-count indictment, which includes charges related to child pornography and obstruction of justice.
A separate five-count indictment from the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn charges him with racketeering and human trafficking.
Insiders close to the investigation confirm that Kelly was taken into custody around 7 pm on Thursday night and will be brought to New York City to stand trial.
The arrest is just the latest in a long line of legal entanglements for Kelly, who has been under investigation for the majority of the past 20 years.
While the singer has come close to being imprisoned several times during those decades, prosecutors seem to have ratcheted up their efforts following the release of the scathing documentary Surviving R. Kelly.
The four-part Lifetime series was released in February, and shortly thereafter, Kelly was arrested in connection with a tape that allegedly showed the 52-year-old engaged in sexual acts with an underage girl.
In May, Kelly was arrested again, this time in connection with 11 new charges.
All the while, the R&B icon has been in and out of court in connection with six-figure child support debts.
It’s not currently clear when Kelly will stand trial for his latest round of charges, but it seems very likely that by then, he’ll already be in prison in connection with previous charges.
The process of holding Kelly accountable has only just begun, but no doubt many of his alleged victims are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief as the wheels of justice slowly begin to turn.