Federal judge Harry Leinenweber has sentenced singer R Kelly to 20 years in prison for his convictions on charges of child s**ual abuse images and enticement of minors for s**.
However, Leinenweber ruled that most of the sentence will be served concurrently with a 30-year sentence imposed last year for racketeering charges.
In addition, Kelly will also have to serve one year in prison following his New York sentence.
The key question prior to the sentencing was whether Kelly would serve his sentence simultaneously with or after completing his New York term for racketeering and s** trafficking convictions in 2021.
Prosecutors argued that serving a lengthy term only after the New York sentence could effectively result in a life sentence.
They contended that Kelly’s crimes against children and lack of remorse warranted such a punishment.
With the recent ruling, Kelly will serve a maximum of 31 years and may be eligible for release around the age of 80.
During the hearing, Leinenweber stated that he did not agree with the prosecution’s claim that Kelly used fear to coerce underage girls into having s**.
The judge argued that the entire concept of grooming was more about the fear of losing love and affection from Kelly, rather than fear of bodily harm.
Kelly, appearing calm, briefly spoke at the beginning of the hearing, indicating that he had reviewed the presentencing documents with his attorney and was relying on their expertise.
Two of Kelly’s accusers addressed the court and requested a harsh punishment.
One woman, referred to as “Jane,” stated that she lost her dreams and aspirations due to Kelly’s actions.
She described herself as permanently scarred by him.
Another accuser, using the pseudonym “Nia,” directly addressed Kelly, highlighting the emotional abuse she endured while he continuously criticized her.
In Chicago, jurors convicted Kelly on six of 13 counts, including producing child s**ual abuse imagery and child enticement.
Despite the allegations against him surfacing in the 1990s, Kelly achieved great success as an R&B artist, with hits like “I Believe I Can Fly” and s**ually explicit songs such as “Bump n’ Grind.”
Prosecutors portrayed Kelly as a serial s**ual predator who exploited his fame and wealth to prey on star-struck fans before discarding them.
They argued that his abuse was particularly egregious because he filmed his victims, using one of the accusers, Jane, as a prop in videos.
Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, criticized the prosecution’s portrayal of her client, accusing them of creating an embellished narrative to align with the #MeToo movement.
She argued that Kelly had already suffered enough, both financially and personally, and that imposing an additional 25-year sentence would be symbolic and excessive.
Bonjean also emphasized that Kelly’s decision to remain silent should not be misconstrued as a lack of remorse.
While he refrained from speaking due to ongoing appeals and potential legal action, Bonjean stated that he desired to express himself.
Overall, R Kelly has received a significant prison sentence for his convictions on child s**ual abuse charges, but his eligibility for release at around age 80 raises questions about the extent of justice served.
The sentencing marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the singer.
