R. Kelly charged in Illinois with aggravated criminal sexual abuse

CHICAGO (WGN) -- R&B singer R. Kelly was charged with multiple counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Cook County Friday morning, a source tells WGN.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a class 2 felony, punishable by 3-7 years, but it can also be probationable.

Following the release of the Lifetime documentary “Surviving R. Kelly,” Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx made a public plea for anyone accusing Kelly to come forward.

This week, two more women spoke out, accusing him of sexual misconduct after one of his concerts in Baltimore when they were 15 and 16 years old.

Michael Avenatti, an attorney who represents whistle-blowers and alleged victims in the case, announced he handed over a VHS tape to Foxx's office that he claims clearly shows R. Kelly having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

This is now the second time the singer has been charged with a sex crime by Cook County prosecutors. He went to trial on child pornography charges back in 2008 and was found not guilty.