R. Kelly trial judge threatens to issue warrant

CHICAGO - The judge in the R. Kelly child pornography trial is threatening to issue a warrant for the arrest of a Chicago Sun-Times reporter.

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Reporter Jim DeRogatis (day-roh-GAH'-tus) got hold of the sex tape at the heart of the case in 2002. He didn't appear for a morning hearing regarding his testimony at Kelly's trial.

An angry Judge Vincent Gaughan (GAWN) told a Sun-Times attorney he'd give him 15 minutes to find something in Illinois law that gives DeRogotis the right to defy an order to appear in court.

Gaughan has rejected arguments that the reporter's actions should be privileged under the First Amendment and that he shouldn't have to appear.

Prosecutors rested their case Monday, and jurors have the day off.

The singer has pleaded not guilty.

Mark Hansen wrote:I don't completely understand the issue here. Wasn't he the person who brought the tape to the attention of the police, and didn't he supposedly receive the tape anonymously?

If he gave testimony at the trial, what more are they hoping to learn from him?

Gaughan said it was possible DeRogatis was unaware of the ordered appearance and would not issue a warrant for his arrest.