Prosecutors face big hurdles in R. Kelly trial

If prosecutors can prove a videotape features R. Kelly and an underage girl, the R&B superstar's child pornography trial could end with him receiving a lengthy prison sentence.But prosecutors will run into defense challenges at every turn. Kelly, 41, denies he's the man on the tape. The 23-year-old woman prosecutors say was a minor at the time of the taping denies she's the girl on the tape. Prosecutors intend to eliminate a reasonable doubt about those challenges may become clearer Tuesday as opening statements begin in a trial that has been delayed repeatedly since the tape was mailed to the Chicago Sun-Times in 2002. The newspaper turned it over to authorities, and Kelly was indicted later that year.Prosecutors say the tape was made between January 1, 1998, and November 1, 2000. Kelly is accused of videotaping himself around 10 years ago having sex with a girl as young as 13 years old.

The singer, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 15 years if convicted