Arline, Russell, Williams Charged in R. Kelly Case Harassment

Three brazen individuals have been swept up in a federal investigation targeting those who sought to undermine the integrity of the justice system by attempting to harass and intimidate alleged victims in the R. Kelly case. Richard Arline, Jr., Donnell Russell, and Michael Williams are each charged with separate schemes that included attempted bribery, emotional distress, and malicious destruction.

Arline, Jr., who was arrested in Dolton, Illinois, stands accused of attempting to corruptly influence a witness’s testimony in the R. Kelly case by offering something of value. His initial appearance took place before United States Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim in Chicago.

Russell, charged with using mail, internet, and cellular telephones to cause emotional distress to an alleged victim and her mother, awaits his initial appearance before a federal judge in the Eastern District of New York.

Williams faces serious charges including intimidation and threats against an R. Kelly case victim and maliciously damaging a vehicle by fire. He was apprehended in Pompano Beach, Florida, and is scheduled to appear in Fort Lauderdale this morning.

Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, emphasized that such efforts to influence pending federal cases would not be tolerated. He thanked various law enforcement agencies for their cooperation in these investigations.

The men’s actions are seen as an affront to human decency and the rule of law, and their arrests serve as a reminder that attempts to subvert justice will be met with swift and severe consequences.