Grammy-winning singer R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison as he was found guilty of all counts of racketeering and sex trafficking. The sentence was announced by the US District Judge Ann Donnelly after listening to statements from seven victims at Brooklyn federal court.
The court found that the singer sexually abused women, underage girls and boys over the course of decades.
Kelly Sexually Abused Underage Girls And Boys
One of the women stated that the singer grew in wickedness as he used his fame and power to coach and groom underage girls for his own sexual gratification.
"With every addition of a new victim, you grew in wickedness. You used your fame and power to groom and coach underage boys and girls for your own sexual gratification," said one woman, Angela, according to New York Post.
Kelly Was Convicted On Nine Charges
Kelly, 55, was convicted on nine charges, including racketeering and violating the Mann Act, which bars interstate transportation of women and girls for "immoral purposes", added the report.
Lawyers had termed him a serial predator, who used his fame and exploited victims.
Kelly Used His Fame
Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stressed that Kelly used his fame, fortune and enablers to prey on the young, the vulnerable and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification, while many turned a blind eye.
Peace believes that the verdict held accountable Kelly for abuse, exploitation and degradation of teenagers. The judge also revealed that these victims were disposable to the singer, who taught them that love is enslavement and violence and humiliation.
"This case is not about sex. It's about violence and cruelty and control. These crimes were calculated and carefully planned and regularly executed for almost 25 years," said Donnelly, according to NY Post.
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