The Kelly Chronicles

Damon Pryor -- the mystery witness dramatically flown in from out of state last night by R. Kelly's attorneys -- has refused to give his social security number to the prosecution, further delaying the testimony of a potentially crucial state's witness.

Defense attorneys hope the mystery witness can cast doubt on the story of an Atlanta woman, due to testify today that she participated in three-way sex with Kelly and the alleged victim in this case.

The Atlanta woman's evidence could be crucial, since no other prosecution witness is expected to testify that they actually saw Kelly and the girl have sex first-hand.

She's also expected to testify that Kelly's aides attempted to pay her off to keep her from testifying.

Kelly's attorneys have battled for nearly two months to keep her from testifying and to limit what she can testify to if she does take the stand. Twice already this week she has been due to testify, only to see her testimony delayed by defense motions.

The mystery witness who could undermine her was quizzed by Kelly's attorneys last night, but prosecutor Robert Heilingoetter this morning told Judge Gaughan that he needed more time to finish questioning the man. The mystery witness had refused to give prosecutors his social security number Heilingoetter said. Without it, the state can't confirm that he is who he says he is.

Judge Gaughan told Heilingoetter, "If he doesn't give you his social security number, he's going to be in major trouble. All right?"

The problems with the mystery witness mean the Atlanta woman will not testify until this afternoon, at the earliest. A detective and an FBI agent are set to testify this morning, instead.