When reached for comment, attorneys for Bell told CNN, “All facts will be revealed in the courtroom. There is no additional comment at this time.”
According to a statement from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, in October 2018, a 15-year-old child in the case filed a report with her local police department in Canada about an alleged incident that took place between her and Bell the previous year at a Cleveland nightclub.
Canadian authorities contacted the Cleveland Division of Police, who conducted an investigation, the statement said. That investigation revealed that the victim, who had established a relationship with Bell several years prior, attended his concert in December 2017. While at the concert, Bell allegedly “violated his duty of care and, in doing so, created a risk of harm to the victim,” prosecutors said. Bell also allegedly sent the victim inappropriate social media messages, according to investigators.
Bell posted $2500 bond and was released from Cuyahoga County Jail. His first pretrial hearing is set for June 23.