R. Kelly's trial date on sexual misconduct charges is set for April

CHICAGO (WPIX) -- Embattled singer R. Kelly is set to go on trial next spring on sex misconduct charges.

Kelly's initial trial date on 13 federal charges in Illinois has been set for April 27, 2020. US District Court Judge Harry Leinenweber set the trial date Wednesday.

The singer is accused of recruiting women for sex, persuading people to conceal that he had sexual contact with teenage girls and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy back missing videotapes of the encounters, according to the indictment.

Kelly, 52, has vehemently denied any allegations of sexual misconduct in the past.

The singer was in court for Wednesday's hearing and seemed to be in good condition but did not speak. He was ordered last month to remain in custody pending his trial.

Kelly also faces a variety of federal charges including kidnapping and sexual exploitation in New York and state charges of prostitution involving a minor in Minnesota.