Almost everyone is aware of the previous charges that were brought against former R&B artist R. Kelly back in 2019. For those who do not recall, the 54-year-old artist was accused of abuse, racketeering, sexual misconduct, and sex trafficking that has been reportedly taking place for over a decade. His high profile case finally went to trial this past Monday, September 27, 2021, in which he was found guilty on one count of racketeering and all eight counts of breaching the Mann Act; a law that was put in motion to prevent citizens from crossing over states “for any immoral purpose.”
United States Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis stated in court, “Today’s guilty verdict forever brands R. Kelly as a predator, who used his fame and fortune to prey on the young, the vulnerable, and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification.” R. Kelly has been held in police custody for the majority of his life since his unholy actions were first brought to the ears and eyes of the public. The trial took place in Brooklyn, New York where a federal judge rightly sentenced the Chicago-born criminal to decades in prison. “To the victims, in this case, your voices were heard, and justice was finally served. We hope that today’s verdict brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victims,” Kasulis expressed as the trial concluded.
Witnesses from the trial claim that the defendant “did not say much of anything” following the declaration of his guilty verdict. His lawyer, Deveraux Cannick, spoke to officials after the case had concluded and reported that “he was shocked” after hearing the correctly chosen outcome. Robert Sylvester Kelly still has charges to face in his hometown of Illinois and Minnesota as the most he can do now is accept the punishment for his clearly guilty crimes against humanity.