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Fourth Juror Chosen In R. Kelly Trial

Criminal Justice Student Added To Jury; 12 Seats Remain

CHICAGO (AP) ― A criminal justice student who said she knew one or two songs by R&B star R. Kelly and called his music "old stuff" was added to the jury in the singer's child pornography trial Tuesday.

The woman became the fourth juror chosen to hear accusations that Kelly, one of urban music's biggest stars, videotaped himself having sex with a girl as young as 13. Kelly has pleaded not guilty.

Among those dismissed Tuesday were a businessman in his 40s who said he assumed Kelly was guilty, and a Russian language teacher who told the court she couldn't be impartial because she has a teenage daughter.

The student, in her 20s, was asked if she was familiar with Kelly's music, which includes sexually charged hits like "Bump N' Grind," "Ignition," and his current single, "Hair Braider."

"Yes, but it's old stuff. I might know one or two of his songs, but that's about it," she said.

Kelly appeared to wince slightly as he sat across a long conference table from the woman.

The woman told the Judge Vincent Gaughan she was worried about missing a final exam on Monday, but the judge said he would make provisions for that.

The first three jurors, seated Monday, included the wife of a Baptist preacher from Kelly's hometown, a business executive and a telecommunications company employee. A total of 16 jurors, including four alternates, will be picked.

When the trial gets under way, prosecutors will face a unique challenge: The alleged victim, now 23, says it wasn't her on the videotape. And Kelly's lawyers -- including prominent Chicago attorney Ed Genson -- haven't admitted it's Kelly in the video.

Prosecutors say the videotape was made between Jan. 1, 1998, and Nov. 1 2000, and that the alleged victim was born in September 1984. Kelly was indicted on pornography charges June 5, 2002, after the tape surfaced.

If jurors find the Grammy-winning artist guilty, he could go to prison for up to 15 years.

Kelly, who won a Grammy for the gospel-like "I Believe I Can Fly," is due to release a new album in July.

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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