DeRo Doesn't Have To Testify in R. Kelly Trial

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jun 4, 2008 7:36PM

Jim DeRogatis won't have to testify in R. Kelly's trial after all, Judge Gaughan ruled today after DeRo was questioned at a hearing this morning. Kelly's attorneys argued that DeRogatis has a personal agenda against Kelly, and that DeRo's reporter privilege doesn't apply here because no one is asking about interviews or sources.

At this morning's hearing, DeRo answered every question the same way: "I respectfully decline to answer that question on the advice of counsel on the grounds that to do so would contravene the reporter privilege, the special witness doctrine and my rights under the Illinois Constitution as well as the First and Fifth Amendments of the United States Constitution." (He read it off a card.)

DeRo's lawyer argued that putting his client on the stand could leave the critic open to state and federal child pornography charges, and Gaughan apparently agreed, ruling that DeRo could decline to testify under the Fifth Amendment.

What we're confused about is that DeRo still has to turn over his notes from an interview with prosecution witness Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards. [Trib, S-T, Illinois's reporter shield law explained, image from R Kelly's latest video]