Crime & Justice
Disgraced singer R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping and other sex-related crimes.
R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping and other sex-related crimes. In September, a jury found Kelly guilty on all nine federal charges: one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act.
R. Kelly sentenced
The diagraced singer did not react as US District Judge Ann Donnelly handed down the sentence after listening to statements from seven victims during an hours-long hearing in Brooklyn federal court.
“With every addition of a new victim, you grew in wickedness,” said one survivor, Jovante Cunningham, who spoke in a stern voice and stared directly at her abuser.
“You used your fame and power to groom and coach underage boys and girls for your own sexual gratification.”
Racketeering and violating the Mann Act
Robert Kelly, 55, was convicted on nine charges, including racketeering and violating the Mann Act, which bars interstate transportation of women and girls for “immoral purposes.”
Prosecutors painted Kelly as a serial predator over decades who used his fame to exploit his victims, and asked the judge for a sentence of more than 25 years. His defense asked for less than 10.
“R. Kelly used his fame, fortune and enablers to prey on the young, the vulnerable and
the voiceless for his own sexual gratification, while many turned a blind eye,” said Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
“With today’s sentence he has finally and appropriately been held accountable for his decades of abuse, exploitation and degradation of teenagers and other vulnerable young people.”
Kelly still faces charges in Minnesota for engaging in prostitution with a minor, as well as federal charges in Illinois for pornography and obstruction.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Black And Missing1 week ago
Morehouse College student Kyle Coleman found dead after Virginia crash
-
Culture4 days ago
Brooklyn community rallies behind beloved shoe shiner Byron Neal known as “The Light on the Corner”
-
Black And Missing5 days ago
Search continues for missing 10-year-old Arkansas girl swept away in Florida waters
-
Beauty & Fashion6 days ago
Young mother dies after cosmetic surgery complications
-
Culture2 weeks ago
Exclusive : South Carolina sneak preview of ‘40 ACRES’ at Saloma Acres in Blythewood
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks ago
One dead after shooting during concert on Long Branch, New Jersey beach
-
Crime & Justice1 week ago
Outrage grows over brutal attack on teen at California concert
-
Social Justice1 week ago
Flavor Flav offers aid after devastating St. Louis tornado