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R. Kelly found guilty of sexually abusing 14-year-old girl in infamous tape
Featured Image Credit: Tribune Content Agency LLC/Sipa US/Alamy Stock Photo
R. Kelly has been found guilty of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in a now-notorious video tape.
Following his sex trafficking conviction last year, the rapper was once again taken to trial for federal sex crimes.
In the latest case, which started on 15 August in Chicago, Kelly – full name Robert Sylvester Kelly – was found guilty of six out of 13 counts.
The jury delivered their verdict yesterday (14 September), convicting the 55-year-old of three counts of producing child pornography and three of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to the US Attorney's Office, each count of producing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years.
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The maximum charge for enticement of a minor is 10 years, meaning all in all Kelly faces a sentence of 10 to 90 years behind bars. A date for his sentencing is yet to be set.
Many consider the case to be retribution for a 2008 child pornography trial in which Kelly walked away scot-free despite the horrifying video tape being presented to the court room.
The footage in question showed Kelly, who was around 30 at the time, sexually assaulting and urinating on a 14-year-old girl.
Part of the recent trial focused on the video tape thanks to the co-operation of the alleged victim, who was absent fourteen years ago.
The rapper was acquitted on a number of charges, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, which accused him of fixing his 2008 case.
His former business manager Derrel McDavid and former assistant Milton Brown were found not guilty of charges relating to allegations that they concealed evidence and attempted to silence witnesses in the previous trial.
In a statement following Wednesday's verdict, US attorney John R. Lausch, Jr said: "The guilty verdicts finally hold Robert Kelly accountable for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl, and they help right the wrongs that occurred in a prior prosecution in Cook County.
U.S. Attorney John Lausch speaking to reporters, says #RKelly faces 10 to 90 years in prison for the counts he was convicted on. He also says “obviously we are disappointed” in the acquittals on other counts. pic.twitter.com/Z54kXcCVmI
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) September 14, 2022
"The damage Mr Kelly inflicted on his victims is immeasurable. I want to thank the victims for their strength, perseverance, and courage in coming forward to testify at trial."
He added: "With regard to the not-guilty verdicts, we respect the jury’s decision.
"While certain aspects of the charges and the trial made it difficult to obtain convictions for all of the charged conduct, it is clear that justice has been served by the guilty verdicts returned today."
In September last year, the 'I Believe I Can Fly' singer was found guilty of one count of racketeering and eight counts of sex trafficking in a separate legal battle.
He was later sentenced to 30 years in prison for his crimes, despite calls from his lawyers for the minimum sentence of 10 years.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 8am–10pm Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm weekends. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111
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