R. Kelly has filed for an appeal in his federal sex crimes case based in New York. According to TMZ, the disgraced singer cites a "laundry list of reasons" he believes the conviction should be overturned. Kelly was previously found guilty in 2021 on nine total federal counts. They included RICO charges in addition to charges pertaining to sex crimes and human trafficking.
As for Kelly's issues with the conviction, he argues the government did not meet its burden of proof in court. In the filing, his legal team brings up issues with several pieces of evidence prosecutors were allowed to submit during the trial. The lawyers also take issue with at least 4 of the jurors selected. They say in the time since, they've admitted prejudging his guilt before handing down their official verdict.
R. Kelly In Court
As for Kelly's original conviction, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the charges. He's also serving an additional 20 years for a similar case in Chicago. At the time of his New York sentencing, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated: “R. 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. Through his actions, Kelly exhibited a callous disregard for the devastation his crimes had on his victims and has shown no remorse for his conduct."
He continued: "With today’s sentence he has finally and appropriately been held accountable for his decades of abuse, exploitation and degradation of teenagers and other vulnerable young people. We hope that today’s sentence brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victims, including those who bravely testified at trial, and serves as long-overdue recognition that their voices deserve to be heard and their lives matter.”
As for Kelly's Chicago conviction, he has yet to file for appeal in that matter. Following the sentencing, his lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, told TMZ at the time: "We feel good. Sentence was mostly concurrent. One additional year added. Almost no restitution. Good outcome. But we are still going to fight the NY case!"
[Via]
