R. Kelly has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement as federal officials investigate an unusual situation unfolding behind bars.
The embattled R&B singer, who is serving decades-long prison sentences, has been transferred to the Special Housing Unit (SHU) at FCI Butner Medium I.
According to TMZ, his attorney, Beau Brindley, said the isolation followed the discovery of a retired warden’s phone number in R. Kelly’s notebook.
Brindley explained that the contact information had allegedly been given to R. Kelly by the former warden prior to his retirement in connection with a prison mentor programme in which the singer was participating, offering guidance to fellow inmates.
However, after Kelly’s cellmate was reportedly found with contraband, including a mobile phone, officials conducted a search of their shared cell. During the search, authorities allegedly discovered the retired warden’s contact details written down.
R. Kelly has since been placed in the SHU while the matter is under review.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing privacy and security concerns.
The 59-year-old is currently serving a 30-year sentence following his 2021 racketeering and sex trafficking conviction in New York, in addition to a 20-year sentence handed down in Chicago in 2022 on child pornography and enticement charges.
