Parents Of Girl In R. Kelly Tape Under Investigation

CHICAGO, Ill. (R. Kelly Fans Website) - The Illinois Department Of Children And Family Services (DCFS) has reopened an investigation into allegations that the parents of the 14-year-old girl allegedly videotaped having sex with singer R. Kelly allowed their daughter to have sex with the singer.

DCFS spokeswoman Martha Allen told the Chicago Sun Times, "It's a priority-one case, the most serious investigation we have." Allen continued, "We got a call last December 17 to investigate allegations of sexual abuse of the girl, the one who's allegedly in the video. In this case, we were investigating--and still are investigating--whether or not the parents allowed the girl to engage in sex with R. Kelly."

The girl was identified by her aunt, R&B singer Sparkle, as the girl on the videotape. However, the girl and her parents have refused to cooperate with authorities and deny that she is even the girl on the tape.

DCFS authorities believe that the indictment against Kelly and the videotape, which was anonymously sent to the Chicago Sun Times in February, now provide a firm footing on which to further their investigation.

Kelly was indicted on 21 child-pornography charges on Wednesday (June 5). The singer was arrested in Polk County Florida and freed on $750,000 bail on Thursday (June 6). On Friday (June 7), Kelly turned himself in to Chicago authorities to be formally booked.

If the singer is found guilty of the Class 1 felony, he could receive a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $100,000. Kelly is next expected to appear in Cook County Criminal Court in Chicago on June 26.