3 men accused in plots to threaten, harass victims in R. Kelly racketeering case in NY
CHICAGO — Three men have been charged in federal court in New York with attempting to intimidate, harass or pay off alleged victims in the racketeering case against singer R. Kelly, adding yet another twist to a legal drama that began almost two decades ago.
Richard Arline Jr., of Dolton, Donnell Russell, of Chicago, and Michael Williams, of Valdosta, Georgia., were each charged in separate criminal complaints and will appear in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn at a later date.
According to the charges, Arline, 31 a longtime friend of Kelly’s, was captured on an FBI wiretap discussing a scheme in which one victim involved in the case would receive compensation — including a proposed payment of $500,000 — to keep her from cooperating with the government.
Arline, who claimed to be communicating directly with Kelly while the singer’s been locked up at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, later told an unnamed associate that the victim was “tryin’ to get money” but that Kelly was likely done paying off witnesses — unless Arline could convince him otherwise.
