R & B singer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for racketeering and sex trafficking.
U.S. District Court Judge Ann Donnelly handed down the sentence after long deliberation and testimony from several of Kelly’s victims.
Robert Sylvester Kelly’s attorneys argued that he should only get 10 years in prison but the federal prosecutors recommended he be sentenced to more than 25 years.
During the trial several victims came together and spoke out about the sexual abuse and pain they endured throughout the years.
One victim who was identified as Jane Doe said Kelly made her perform sexual acts.
Attorneys also brought up the late Aaliyah and how R. Kelli married her while she was 15.
“I felt special, because someone who was special to the world was interested in me,” she said, adding, “I hope you go to jail for the rest of your life.”
As judge Donnelly handed down the singers sentencing the victims stood together, held hands and prayed. The judge also put in consideration Kelly’s childhood involving sexual assault, poverty and violence.
Back in 2019 Kelly was arrested and accused of leading an organization where he would recruit underage women and subject them to sex crimes.
Kelly was charged with bribery, kidnapping, forced labor, sexual exploitation of a child, sexual trafficking across state lines and racketeering involving six victims. He was also accused of breaking the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to take anyone across state lines “for any immoral purpose“.
During testimony Kelly listened to all his accusers and did not take the stand during his trial.
