Grand Jury Will Hand Down Indictment Today Against R. Kelly
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And now we're going to turn out attention to allegations of sex, lies and videotape. At the center of it all is R&B; star R. Kelly. The claims and denials have been in the news for a while, but the case appears to be taking a new turn with the appearance of a videotape. And joining us now with details, is our Chicago Bureau Chief, Jeff Flock. He is in the windy city. Jeff, good morning.</s>JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF: Daryn, good morning to you. A source in law enforcement re here in Chicago confirms to CNN this morning there will be some movement in the R. Kelly case today. That source also confirms there has been a long investigation by the Chicago Police Department of allegations that Kelly has had sex with underaged girls and videotaped some of those liaisons. Now the "Chicago Sun Times," in its edition this morning is saying that a grand jury will hand down an indictment today against Kelly. That indictment, the paper says, will be for violating child pornography laws; specifically, going to that videotape. The newspaper claims that it will be a Class I felony, which carries a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $100,000. Now again, it goes to this videotape, which CNN was shown a copy of about five months ago. And, in fact, CNN was offered that videotape for purchase. We declined, although we did view a portion of that tape. It does appear to be R. Kelly. The "Sun Times" today has said that FBI agents have looked at the videotape and have authenticated it. Kelly, for his part, has said in an interview specifically with Black Entertainment Television that it is not him, that the tape was doctored in some way and that nothing out there -- no tapes out there depict him having sex with anyone, he says, because it didn't happen. But again, "The Sun Times" reporting today the FBI has authenticated that videotape. Now some of you may have seen that tape. That is because it is now available on the Internet, as well as on the street corners in some major cities like Chicago and New York -- available for purchase. I think you can get it for about $10 or $15. At any rate, it appears that videotape is at the crux of any government case against Kelly, and it appears now there will be some action on it today. We are learning now that Chicago police will meet with reporters here in town today at about 2:00 local time, that's 3:00 Eastern Time, to announce a movement in this case. That's the latest from here, Daryn, back to you.</s>KAGAN: Jeff, are they going to take R. Kelly into custody?</s>FLOCK: It's not clear. There is a procedure that is in place for high-profile defendants, and there have been a few that the Chicago Police Department has, whereby they work out an arrangement whereby they would surrender at some point. But that has not been confirmed at this point.</s>KAGAN: Got it. Jeff Flock, in Chicago, thank you very much. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com Kelly>