Two lead attorneys who have been working with R. Kelly have requested to withdraw from the Piss Piper’s upcoming federal sex trafficking case in Brooklyn two months before it is set to start.
Attorneys Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard filed documents to withdraw, which have yet to be approved. Douglas Anton, a third attorney, has also left the team, claiming that it was not under the same circumstances as Greenberg and Leonard.
“Our reasons for withdrawal are significant and it is impossible, in our belief, for us to be able to continue to properly represent Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances,” Greenberg wrote to U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly. The two Chicago-based attorneys also said that they “are willing to (serve) as effective stand-by counsel” if it’s deemed necessary by the court.
The request came after Greenberg and Leonard are reportedly had disagreements with other attorneys who are on Kelly’s defense team.
“We refused to try a case with lawyers who don’t have the appropriate level of experience and skill because that is not in the client’s best interest,” the two attorneys said in a statement.
“It is a shame that lawyers can’t suppress their own egos or self-interest and do or act in the client’s best interest.”
Kelly is also represented by attorneys Douglas Anton, Thomas Farinella, and Nicole Becker. Those attorneys have said, “Mr. Kelly terminated both lawyers prior to filing their motion.”
Greenberg and Leonard, both based out of Chicago, told the outlet they wish Kelly ‘nothing but the greatest success in their withdrawal from the case, as they said Farinella and Becker are inexperienced in federal criminal cases.
Kelly’s New York trial is scheduled to start on August 9. He is facing charges of racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, forced labor, kidnapping, enticement, and bribery.
R. Kelly, who is also facing sexual abuse charges in Chicago, has been held in custody at Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial.
OPINION:
If you ask me (and nobody has), I think the lawyers who are trynna quit, have seen the writing on the wall…..(insert shrug emoji)
