R&B singer R. Kelly has formally requested home detention, claiming that prison officials at FCI Butner, N.C., plotted to poison him and arranged a fellow inmate to carry out a hit. His legal team also petitioned former President Donald Trump to intervene, sources told The National Enquirer.
Jailhouse accusations
According to court filings via Courthouse News Service, Kelly alleges that prison staff allegedly bribed Mikeal Glenn Stine—the Aryan Brotherhood figure who tested terminally ill—to kill him in exchange for freedom. Instead, Stine reportedly came forward. Kelly’s lawyer claims he was later placed in solitary as punishment.
Poisoning claim
In addition, Kelly’s attorney asserts that medication was administered at dangerous levels and that officials unlawfully seized privileged mail and emails. He suggests the retaliation was meant to conceal the misconduct.
Prosecutors have dismissed the allegations as conspiracies by a convicted sex offender manipulating the system.
Legal battle unfolds
Kelly is currently serving a 30-year federal sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking. His emergency bid for home confinement fell short in court. His counsel, Beau B. Brindley, argued that only Trump could halt the alleged threats, stating that the former president’s influence might “save a life and end this corruption.”
The Bureau of Prisons declined to comment on Kelly’s assertions, citing policy. Prosecutors condemned Kelly’s claims as fabrications meant to “manipulate.”
Kelly’s strategy leans on his narrative of being both innocent and imperiled. He maintains his claims and hopes they carve a path to escape prison confinement.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.