R&B singer R. Kelly has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in s** crimes in Chicago.
Of the 20 years, 19 will be served concurrently with his New York sentence, resulting in an additional year of imprisonment.
The sentencing comes after Kelly was convicted on charges of child p0rn0 and enticement in Chicago.
In September, he was found guilty of three counts of producing child p0rn0 and three counts of enticing a minor to engage in s**ual activity.
Prosecutors had recommended that Kelly serve an additional 25 years consecutively to his New York sentence, arguing that he is a s**ual predator who exploited his fame and wealth to abuse his victims without any remorse.
Kelly’s defense attorney, however, requested a sentence of only 10 years, to be served simultaneously with his New York sentence.
The attorney justified this leniency by pointing out Kelly’s own history of abuse as a child.
During the federal trial in Chicago, allegations were made by five minors who claimed they were abused by Kelly in the late 1990s.
Prosecutors alleged that explicit videos involving four of the victims were made during this time.
One witness, a woman referred to as Jane, testified that Kelly engaged in s**ual acts with her when she was 14 and continued to have s** with her until she turned 18.
She admitted to falsely denying their s**ual relationship out of fear for her parents’ safety and her own well-being.
In addition to the charges related to Jane, Kelly was convicted of enticing two other minors to engage in s**ual activity.
However, he was acquitted on seven other counts, including conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Two of his associates were also acquitted of all charges.
Prior to the federal trial in Chicago, Kelly had already been convicted of racketeering and s** trafficking in a New York federal trial.
Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York accused him of using his celebrity status and a network of individuals to target underage girls and young women for his own s**ual gratification.
The New York trial featured testimony from victims who detailed instances of s**ual and physical abuse by Kelly.
It also revealed his involvement in a controversial marriage with singer Aaliyah when she was just 15 years old.
Last month, state s**-crime charges against Kelly were dropped by prosecutors in Cook County, Illinois, citing his lengthy federal sentence as a factor.
Despite the outcome, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx recognized the bravery of the victims who came forward and stated that justice has been served.
Throughout the allegations and legal battles, R. Kelly remained one of the most successful R&B artists of the 1990s and 2000s.
His hit songs, including “Bump N’ Grind,” “Ignition (Remix),” and “I Believe I Can Fly,” garnered him numerous Grammy Awards and nominations, solidifying his position in the music industry.
