News R. Kelly’s alleged ‘friends’ charged in plot to threaten, bribe accusers; lawyer denies involvement August 12, 2020 Maria Puente, USA TODAY Comments Off on R. Kelly’s alleged ‘friends’ charged in plot to threaten, bribe accusers; lawyer denies involvement Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn charged three men with plot to threaten or bribe R. Kelly's accusers. Kelly's lawyer says he is "not involved."