Jurors hear key testimony from reputed fixer in alleged R. Kelly conspiracy to derail early criminal probe
CHICAGO — A key prosecution witness against R. Kelly has taken the stand in the disgraced R&B superstar’s federal trial and is expected to testify that he helped recover incriminating videotapes while Kelly was being investigated for sexual abuse.
Charles Freeman, who defense attorneys characterized in opening statements as a liar, a con man and an extortionist, is testifying under an immunity deal from prosecutors.
Freeman entered the packed courtroom dressed in a blue suit and dark glasses. He took his glasses and black face mask off before he started testifying.
Kelly seemed animated, appearing to chuckle as Freeman described the way they became friends after a misunderstanding about a stolen jacket. And several times during Freeman’s testimony, Kelly leaned over to whisper to his attorneys.
Freeman began working for Kelly doing merchandising in the early 1990s, he testified, and the two men became friends.
Freeman told jurors that in 2001 he got a call from Kelly, who
