Disgraced singer R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest updates from Unheard Voices

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.