R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Published: June 29, 2022
As originally published by Calum Slingerland on Exclaim!

R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty on nine counts of racketeering and sex trafficking charges in a Brooklyn court last September.

The disgraced singer's sentencing, imposed today by U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly, was preceded by impact statements given by seven of the abuser's victims. Kelly, 55, did not address the court.

"I am a representation of every woman, boy, child, man that you have ever afflicted with your deplorable, inexplicable acts and with that I leave you with yourself, Robert Sylvester Kelly," a survivor identified in court as "Angela" said to Kelly [via Rolling Stone]. "You used your fame and power to groom and coach underage boys and girls for your own sexual gratification."

Another victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, told Kelly [via RS], "I don't know if I'll ever be whole. What you did has left a permanent stain on my life that I will never be able to wash away. I'm sure you never think about that ... You are an abuser, you are shameless, you are disgusting and you are self-serving ... I hope you go to jail for the rest of your life."

Kelly's 30-year sentence is five years more than the minimum prosecutors sought. Judge Donnelly told the defendant in court [via RS], "These crimes were calculated and carefully planned and regularly executed for almost 25 years. You taught them that love is enslavement and violence."

Kelly's September conviction marked the first criminal charge in relation to decades of accusations concerning sexual misconduct against young women and girls. The singer had denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.

With the conclusion of Kelly's New York trial, he will now face charges against him in the state of Illinois. In Chicago, Kelly faces 13 charges of child pornography, enticing a minor into illegal sexual activity, and a conspiracy to obstruct justice. The Chicago trial, which was slated to start in April of 2020 before COVID-19-related delays, will now begin August 1.
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