Fulton County DA: No criminal investigation of R. Kelly
ATLANTA - After a call for a criminal investigation of R. Kelly by the Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the Fulton County District Attorney said Friday afternoon that there will not be a criminal investigation at this time.
Commission Chairman John Eaves requested a criminal investigation after R. Kelly was recently accused of sexually exploiting and holding young girls against their will.
Late Friday morning, Eaves said that investigators had uncovered new information surrounding the allegations against Kelly that "severely raised the level of concern." He held a news conference afterward, calling for a full criminal investigation by the District Attorney's Office.
"I believe the citizens of Fulton County deserve this investigation," Eaves said. "I"m going to stress to the [Fulton County] district attorney that a full investigation be done, because I believe questions should be answered."
The chairman released the following statement Friday morning ahead of the news conference:
Last week, a couple held a news conference in front of a house in Johns Creek and claimed Kelly was holding their daughter against her will, but Johns Creek Police looked into the allegation and said they had no criminal investigation underway.
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Following the allegations, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners sent a letter to Live Nation asking the entertainment company to cancel Kelly's Aug. 25 concert. Live Nation contracts with the county to plan and promote events at the county-owned amphitheater just outside Atlanta.
MORE: Fulton Co. chairman calls for upcoming R. Kelly concert to be canceled
Eaves said board members decided to ask the concert promoter to cancel the event after hearing from "many" county residents who objected to holding it the public-owned site.
"They object to their tax dollars providing a stage for an entertainer who is repeatedly in a swirl of controversy surrounding the sexual exploitation of women and underage girls," Eaves said.
Eaves said even though Kelly hasn't been charged with or convicted of any crimes related to the media report, he felt comfortable speaking out "on a moral basis." But he acknowledged that Live Nation is contracted to book and promote concerts on the county's behalf and has the final say about whether the event will go on. He said county officials aren't considering any legal action. Chairman Eaves urged people who oppose the August 25 concert to protest the event at The Wolf Creek Amphitheater.
The R&B artist has denied any wrongdoing. His publicist released the following statement to FOX 5: