R. Kelly's Lawyer Says He Couldn't Find Client Ahead of Court Appearance

R. Kelly at a previous court appearance.
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The singer arrived in the New York Metro area Thursday after being transported from Illinois.

Embattled singer R. Kelly pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn, New York, Friday to federal charges that he sexually abused women and underage girls.  

The 52-year-old pop star arrived at New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport Thursday afternoon from Chicago wearing tan prison garb. But come Friday morning, there was a bit of drama, as Kelly's attorney Douglas Anton informed the court in a letter that he couldn't find his client.

“I have spent the hours that followed his landing on the phone with the BOP [Bureau of Prisons] at both New York MCC and Brooklyn MDC trying to locate my client, but no one would provide that information to me, even recognizing I am his attorney,” Anton said in a letter directed to Judges Anne Donnelly and Steven Tiscione, adding that Kelly’s court appearance might be delayed because of this. 

Proceedings eventually went ahead, however, and Kelly was denied bail Friday morning.
 
Friday morning's court appearance is Brooklyn is not the only one Kelly has for the day. Following his second court appearance later this afternoon, he will immediately return to Chicago, where he is facing separate charges involving underage girls. 

Kelly denies all of the charges and allegations against him. 

An email sent by InsideEdition.com to Anton for further comment on the morning's kerfuffle was not immediately returned.

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