Attorney says Fulton DA should take a stronger look at alleged abuses in R. Kelly's former house

July 1st, 2022

In this courtroom sketch, R. Kelly briefly addresses Judge Ann Donnelly during his sentencing in federal court, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in New York. R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for using his superstardom to subject young fans — some just children — to systematic sexual abuse. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Williams)

R. Kelly, the famed ’90s R&B singer and songwriter, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison this week. It comes after the 55-year-old was convicted last year for racketeering and sex trafficking.

The trial, and a docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly”, gave voice to his accusers — mainly the voices of Black women.

But that’s just the start. Kelly faces at least three more trials for similar allegations in the next year or so.

Atlanta attorney Gerald Griggs represents several of the families of Kelly’s victims. Griggs told WABE one metro Atlanta couple Timothy and Jonjelyn Savage, the parents of Joycelyn Savage, are preparing to testify in future trials. That could include a case in Fulton County.

“My hope is that the prosecution here in Atlanta will take a stronger look at what happened in the Johns Creek house, where he’s alleged to have held women against their will, and possibly bring charges for that,” Griggs said.

Griggs said there’s a range of emotions as the couple works to reconnect with their daughter.

Savage reportedly moved in with Kelly when she was 19 years old. A few years later Savage appeared in an interview with CBS journalist Gayle King, and defended her relationship with Kelly.

Kelly later sat down with King in an infamous, enflamed interview where he denied any sexual misconduct and claimed the women and their families accusing him of physical and sexual abuse were lying.

The steep sentence, Griggs said, matches the decades of unchecked predation.

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.