R&B singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on nine charges related to human trafficking and other sex crimes. The verdict came down on June 29, 2022 in Brooklyn with R. Kelly’s team obviously hoping for a lower sentence.
R. Kelly Gets 30 YEARS for Racketeering and Related Sex and Human Trafficking Crimes
According to those close to the singer, R. Kelly knew that he was looking at ten years to life after getting convicted on all nine counts back in September 2021. Prosecutors wanted no less than 25 years behind bars, so both sides were fighting a rough battle.
Kelly’s side had too much to work with and explain from their client with the evidence available. The defense had to prove a lot of this away or at least minimize the time their client was looking at. Meanwhile, the prosecution could pick its shots on any count.
In a month-long trial, R. Kelly’s team seemed halted at every opportunity—they didn’t even have enough witness to attest to the singer not abusing anyone. At least not enough witnesses to deal with the number of prosecution witnesses who said he did.
In the New York trial, R. Kelly was found guilty of one count of racketeering, three counts of transporting across state lines for illegal sexual activity, four counts of coercion or enticement, and one count of transportation of a minor. He was also given a $100,000 fine and a human trafficking penalty of $25,000.
There are still two cases in Illinois and Minnesota on the singer’s plate, however this 30 year stretch is technically enough. Just in case should appeals are successful if his team pushes them in Brooklyn, it’ll be hard to clear appeals on three fronts for his legal team.
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