R&B singer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, after being convicted of sex trafficking and racketeering.
The sentence was imposed by the U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly, who ordered him to pay a $100,000 fine after the three-hour sentencing hearing.
Kelly’s lawyer said they look forward to appealing the sentence.
The Charges
R.Kelly, 55, was charged with one count of racketeering and eight counts of sex trafficking, including:
- 14 underlying acts of sexual exploitation of a child,
- kidnapping,
- bribery,
- and sex trafficking.
He was also charged with eight violations of the Mann Act. This legislation makes it illegal to transport people across state lines for “immoral purposes.”
The 2021 trial lasted six weeks and on September 27th, 2021, R. Kelly was convicted on all charges. Dressed in prison khakis and dark sunglasses, Kelly declined to make a statement and did not react when the verdict was read.
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The Trial
During the 2021 trial in Brooklyn, New York, the court heard how Kelly used his influence and fame to lure women and children into sexual abuse for over two decades.
Jurors also heard how he trafficked women between US states, assisted by managers, security, and other members of his entourage.
Federal prosecutors had recommended that Kelly be sentenced to more than 25 years in prison, due to the seriousness of his crimes and the need to protect the public from future crimes.
Kelly’s lawyers called for the mandatory minimum sentence for his conviction—10 years. They stated that he grew up in a poor household rife with domestic violence and that he suffered from sexual abuse from a young age.
Kelly was devastated by the sentence and plans to appeal.
Other Charges
Kelly has been behind bars since he was indicted by federal prosecutors in New York and Chicago in 2019.
He faces further legal action in August 2022, when he goes on trial again in Chicago for child sex images and obstruction charges. He also faces charges in Illinois and Minnesota for sexual abuse.
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Racketeering and Sex Crimes Defense
If you have been accused of the federal crimes of racketeering or sex trafficking, call our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Stechschulte Nell immediately. We will aggressively defend your charges and do our best to mitigate and reduce the penalties that may occur.
Don’t wait to build your defense. Call our Tampa, FL-based federal attorneys to discuss the specifics of your case today; 813-280-1244.
Federal Criminal Board Certified Trial Attorney in Tampa, FL
