R. Kelly arrested in Chicago on federal sex crime charges

FILE – In this May 7, 2019 file photo, Musician R. Kelly, center, arrives at the Leighton Criminal Court building for a hearing in Chicago. Prosecutors charged R&B singer R. Kelly on Thursday, May 30, with 11 new sex-related counts, including some that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, making them the most serious against him. (AP Photo/Matt Marton, File)

Posted: Jul 12, 2019 / 08:33 AM EDT

Updated: Jul 12, 2019 / 08:33 AM EDT

CHICAGO (AP) – Singer R. Kelly was arrested in Chicago Thursday after he was indicted on 13 federal counts including sex crimes, a U.S. Attorney’s office spokesman said.

Joseph Fitzpatrick said the R&B singer was taken into custody about 7 p.m. local time and was being held by federal authorities.

He was arrested after a 13-count federal indictment was handed down earlier Thursday in federal court for the Northern District of Illinois.

“The counts include child porn, enticement of a minor and obstruction of justice,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that further details would be released Friday.

The R&B singer already faces separate state sex-related charges in Illinois involving four women, three of whom were minors when the alleged abuse occurred. He pleaded not guilty to those charges and was released on bail.