R. Kelly is facing new scrutiny behind bars after prison officials launched an internal investigation tied to a handwritten phone number.
According to his attorney, Beau Brindley, the singer is currently being held in isolation at FCI Butner Medium I while authorities review how he came to possess the personal cell number of a retired warden. Brindley says the situation grew out of Kelly’s participation in an inmate mentorship program.
Before retiring, the warden allegedly gave Kelly his number so he could offer guidance if questions came up after his departure.
BREAKING: In an exclusive interview with Gayle King, R. Kelly erupts, emotionally denying all criminal wrongdoing: "I'm fighting for my f—ing life!" #WBZ pic.twitter.com/6q7tGa1JHN
— Liam Martin (@LiamFromBoston) March 5, 2019
The issue escalated after Kelly’s former cellmate was caught with a contraband cellphone. During a search of the shared cell, officers reportedly found a notebook belonging to R. Kelly that included the retired official’s phone number. Prison staff then moved Kelly into the Special Housing Unit while the matter is examined.
Brindley insists there was no misconduct. “This was not an attempt to bypass prison rules,” he said, adding that the number was provided openly and written down for legitimate reasons.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has not publicly commented on the specifics.
Kelly is serving a combined sentence that stretches decades following convictions in New York and Chicago on multiple federal charges.