American singer and songwriter, Robert Kelly also known as R Kelly has been found guilty on all charges in his trial on racketeering and sex trafficking.
The jury was made up of seven men and five women. They found the 54-year-old Kelly guilty of all nine counts, including racketeering, on their second day of deliberations.
R Kelly, was accused of targeting, grooming and exploiting young women and men “for his own sexual gratification”. He’s also accused of running a “sex cult” by trafficking people across state lines and allegedly bribing a government worker to help him marry the late R&B singer Aaliyah, when she was just 15 years old.
During the trial, prosecutors explained how his managers and security guards also worked to assist him in his criminal enterprise.
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“Today’s verdict brings an end to Robert Kelly’s decade-long reign of terror over many vulnerable girls, boys and young women,” a representative of Homeland Security said on Monday after the verdict. “With this verdict, it is my sincere hope that it will also begin the healing process for these brave survivors.”
During the trial, 50 different witnesses testified, however only five of them were in defense of Kelly. According to the accusers, the singer controlled their day-to-day lives, including when they could use the restroom, and forced them to partake in sexual acts.
“Of all the predators I have pursued, Mr. Kelly is the worst,” says Gloria Allred, the attorney representing many of Kelly’s victims. “R. Kelly thought he could get away with this, but he didn’t. I am very proud of my clients who agreed to testify in this case.”
A date for sentencing has been set for May 4, 2022. Prosecutors say R Kelly is facing a minimum of 10 years and could get up to life in prison.
