A Chicago judge today (November 2) ordered a hearing  for a forensic expert to testify about the methods she plans to use to prove that R. Kelly is the man shown in a tape having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Kelly is currently awaiting trial on child-pornography charges for allegedly making a sex tape with the aforementioned teenage girl who is now in her early 20’s.  He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to MTV News, forensic expert Dr. Sharon Cooper claims she can identify Kelly as the man in the sex tape by comparing the vein patterns in his hand to those of the individual in the video.

Cooper will  reveal her methods during a hearing on December 18th.The judge will also use the hearing to determine whether her methods are acceptable in the scientific community at large.

Despite the looming charges, Kelly will be heading on national tour to promote his latest album, Double Up. 

The singer will be joined by Keyshia Cole, J-Holiday and Ne-Yo on his 36 city trek which launches on November 14th and wraps up on January 13th in Virginia.