Federal Prosecutors Recommend R. Kelly Should Be Sentenced To More Than 25 Years In Prison To ‘Protect The Public’

Federal Prosecutors Recommend R. Kelly Should Be Sentenced To More Than 25 Years In Prison To ‘Protect The Public’

 R. Kelly might be behind bars for a very long time if prosecutors get their way.

Citing his sex crimes committed for decades, New York Federal prosecutors recommend R&B singer R. Kelly, born Robert Kelly, be behind bars for more than 25 years. According to legal documents, prosecutors also recommended R. Kelly to be fined between $50,000 and $250,000.

R. Kelly, 55, was convicted in September 2021 of racketeering, acts of bribery, sexual exploitation of a child (boys and girls), and a list of other sex trafficking charges. During the trial, the government called 45 witnesses to discuss the trauma he put his victims through.

In the recent filing, prosecutors argued Kelly showed no remorse for the acts he committed. The 31-page filing shows his disregard and warns the judge that “The World’s Greatest” singer “is unlikely to be deterred from further sexually abusing and exploiting children and others.” They also accused him of using his fame and fortune to cover up his crimes during his music career.

The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge:

“In light of the seriousness of the offenses, the need for specific deterrence and the need to protect the public from further crimes of the defendant … the government respectfully submits that a sentence in excess of 25 years is warranted.”  

The letter added:

“Indeed, the defendant’s decades of crime appear to have been fueled by narcissism and a belief that his musical talent absolved him of any need to conform his conduct — no matter how predatory, harmful, humiliating or abuse to other — to the strictures of the law.”

The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York continued:

“He continued his crimes and avoided punishment for them for almost 30 years and must now be held to account.”

Kelly faces more charges outside of New York state. Prosecutors in Minnesota charged the 55-year-old with engaging in prostitution with a minor. In Illinois, he was also charged with child pornography and obstruction.

Jennifer Bonjean, R. Kelly’s lawyer, argued his sentencing should be less than 14 years in prison. In the legal filing, Jennifer Bonjean stated his “history and characteristics,” justifies the reduced prison sentence.

R.Kelly mugshot

R. Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29th. If prosecutors win the case, R. Kelly would be released from prison in his 70s.

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