R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison
R&B singer R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, following a conviction in federal court last year for sex trafficking and extortion. On Wednesday he faced the court with seven of his accusers who gave impact statements to the victims recounting their experiences with the singer.
The prosecution had asked that he be given more than 25 years behind bars to “protect the audience” of the singer. He was convicted on nine counts last September, which included an excuse offense and eight offenses of violating the Mann Act.
Gloria Allred, who represents the three women who testified against R Kelly, told reporters that “no one can undo the harm that has been done to these victims.”
Following the sentencing, attorney Steve Greenberg, who represented Kelly, has accused the victims of “taking advantage” of the singer.
Jennifer Bonjean, another of Kelly’s lawyers, said the singer wanted to speak in court in her sentence, but she advised him against it.
Steve K Francis, executive associate director for National Security Investigations (HSI) who announced Kelly’s ruling, called the singer a “prolific serial predator who used his wealth and fame to prey on young and vulnerable people.” hanging promises of fame, fortune and fame. for their own sexual gratification “.
Key points
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R Kelly’s lawyer says the singer wanted to speak at his sentencing
Jennifer Bonjean, R Kelly’s lawyer, said the singer wanted to speak to the courts in her sentence, but she advised him against it.
Speaking to out-of-court reporters, Ms. Bonjean said she did not want him to speak while she has cases open in Chicago and Minnesota.
Another case, related to child pornography and similar allegations, is scheduled to go to trial in Chicago federal court in August, Business Insider reported.
“I promise you he wants to make a statement,” Ms. Bonjean said.
“He will make statements, but on the advice of the lawyer, he remained silent.”
Lawyer Jennifer Bonjean leaves the courtroom after singer R. Kelly was convicted of federal sex trafficking
(REUTERS)
Sravasti Dasgupta30 June 2022 07:30
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R Kelly’s lawyer says victims “served him”
Lawyer Steve Greenberg, who represented singer R Kelly, has accused the victims of “taking advantage” of the singer.
In an interview with Law & Crime, Mr Greenberg said: “They have robbed him. And for them to now come to court and say they are victims is just to be intellectually dishonest.”
Sravasti Dasgupta June 30, 2022 7:00 AM
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R Kelly’s victim says 30-year prison sentence is “ready”
Sonja, a victim of R Kelly’s abuse who testified in court, has praised the singer’s prison sentence.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times after the sentence, Sonja, whose last name is not revealed to protect her identity, said that for years she was intimidated by people in the singer’s circle.
“They’ve followed me, they’ve approached me at networking events,” he said. “It happened a few different times.”
On each occasion, she says she immediately walked away from the person who was chatting with her and went “offline for a few days.”
“Thirty years is perfect for me,” he said.
“I’ve been enduring this for almost two decades. I’m very happy with the phrase. Very happy.”
Supporter of R&B singer R. Kelly reacts after the sentencing hearing at Brooklyn Federal Court in New York on June 29, 2022.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Sravasti Dasgupta June 30, 2022 6:30 AM
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R Kelly’s victims say 30-year sentence “not enough”
R Kelly’s victims have said the 30-year prison sentence handed down to the singer, while welcome, “is not enough”.
“Personally I think that’s not enough, but I’m happy with it,” prosecutor Lizzette Martinez said.
Another victim, Jovante Cunningham, who first met Kelly at age 14, said her abuse lasted 30 years and “30 years is what she received.”
“There wasn’t a day in my life that I really believed the judicial system would be achieved for black and brown girls,” Ms. Cunningham said out of court.
Mrs Cunningham, who was a former Kelly support dancer, added that she cried “absolutely” when the sentence was dropped and that she felt “overwhelmed”.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Sravasti Dasgupta June 30, 2022 6:00 AM
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R Kelly, a “prolific serial predator” who took advantage of the “young and vulnerable”
Steve K Francis, executive associate director in functions of National Security Investigations (HSI) who announced R Kelly’s ruling, has described the singer as a “prolific serial predator.”
“Robert Kelly is a prolific serial predator who used his wealth and fame to approach young and vulnerable people with promises of fame, fortune and stardom for their own sexual gratification. For nearly thirty years, Kelly and his accomplices silenced their victims through bribery, intimidation, blackmail and physical violence, sure they were immune to justice, ”Francis said.
“Today’s sentence is a victory for the survivors of Kelly’s abuse. These brave women and men showed up, despite threats to their own personal safety, and were forced to relive the pain of the most traumatic days. of their lives to tell the truth and make their voices heard. “
(REUTERS)
Sravasti Dasgupta June 30, 2022 5:15 p.m.
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R Kelly will face a second trial in August
R Kelly will face another trial, this time in federal court, starting in August.
On August 15, R Kelly will be tried on charges of possessing images of child sexual abuse. It will be the second time he faces charges related to child sexual abuse images.
He was previously acquitted in 2008 on similar charges.
Kelly has pleaded not guilty.
Graig Graziosi June 30, 2022 4:00 p.m.
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EXPLANATORY: What was R Kelly convicted of and how much time did he receive in prison?
R Kelly faces a potential quarter of a century in prison.
What brought R Kelly to this point and what is the context surrounding his arrest, conviction, and eventual conviction?
Graeme Massie of The Independent explores and explains the circumstances and crimes that led R Kelly to today’s decision.
Graig Graziosi June 30, 2022 3:00 p.m.
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ICYMI: Victims Accuse R Kelly of “Deplorable and Unexplained Acts” in Impactful Conviction Impact Statements
Seven women who were abused by R Kelly spoke Wednesday during their sentencing hearing and explained the pain they have suffered as a result of the singer’s crimes.
With each incorporation of a new victim you grew in wickedness, arrogant, diminishing any form of humanity or self-awareness, ”one victim said during the hearing.
Jenna Amatulli has more of the victims in the following story:
Graig Graziosi June 30, 2022 2:00 p.m.
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SEE: R Kelly is sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking and extortion
R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison
Graig Graziosi June 30, 2022 1:00 p.m.
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ICYMI: R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking and extortion
R&B singer Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex trafficking and extortion.
Read more in the following story:
Graig Graziosi June 30, 2022 00:00