R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison following sex trafficking conviction

R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday after being convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking.

U. S. District Judge Ann Donnelly imposed the sentence on Kelly and ordered him to pay a $100,000 fine after a nearly three-hour hearing. Kelly did not address the court.

The victims held hands while the sentence was read and Kelly had no apparent reaction.

"Although sex was certainly a weapon that you used, this is not a case about sex. It’s a case about violence, cruelty and control," Judge Donnelly told him during the sentencing.

Kelly's lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said they look forward to the appeal.

"30 years is like life for him," she said. She also emphasized he is "not a predator."

U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace called the sentence a "significant outcome" for Kelly's victims.

Kelly "preyed upon children and young women..for decades," according to Peace. He would "force victims, including minors" to be in "porno films" which the singer "produced and directed."

"The sentence shows that the witnesses reclaim control ovee their lives," he added. "This is a victory for them. It doesnt matter how powerful..justice only hears the truth"

Seven of Kelly's victims gave impact statements during the sentencing hearing.

"You made me do things that broke my spirit. I literally wished I would die because of how low you made me feel," one woman told the Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling singer. "Do you remember that?"

Another woman, sobbing and sniffling as she spoke, said Kelly's c... (Read more)

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