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Trial Date Set in R. Kelly's Federal Case in Chicago

The hearing comes one day after jail personnel moved Kelly into the general inmate population

A trial for R. Kelly's federal case is expected to take place in the spring, a judge ruled Wednesday as attorneys for the singer fight to have him released from jail. 

Despite opposition from Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg, who said he needs more time to go through discovery in the case, the trial for the singer is set to begin April 27. 

Attorneys had been pushing to amend Kelly's bond so he could be released in the meantime, but further discussion on that will take place on Sept. 18, according to Kelly's legal team. 

The hearing comes one day after jail personnel moved Kelly into the general inmate population following a complaint from his his attorneys that he was being held in solitary in a restrictive section of a federal jail in Chicago.

Authorities initially worried other inmates could try to hurt the Grammy Award-winner because of his celebrity status or because he is accused of sexually assaulting minors.

Defense attorneys said Kelly had initial misgivings about entering the general population but changed his mind after experiencing conditions in the special unit.

He has since had "no trouble with inmates," Attorney Mike Leonard said outside the courtroom Wednesday. 

"[He's an] extremely amiable guy," Leonard said. "He’s going to have great deal of respect... if he leaves they’ll probably miss him." 

Kelly faces sexual misconduct charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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