Kelly, wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackled at the ankles, did not speak except to say “yes, sir” when the judge asked if he understood the charges. His attorney, Steve Greenberg, submitted a not guilty plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Krull said Kelly was “an extreme danger to the community, especially minor girls.” She also argued that he might flee if released.
“If he was attracted in 1999 to middle school girls, he’s still attracted to middle school girls,” Krull said. “It’s who the defendant is and that, your honor, makes him a danger today.”
Kelly was first arrested on sex charges in 2002 but was acquitted by a Chicago jury in 2008. He was arrested earlier this year on new state charges brought by Illinois prosecutors. His arrest last week was on separate federal charges.