R. Kelly’s Conviction Upheld; Appeal Planned
A federal appeals court upheld R. Kelly’s 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking, rejecting his claims of inadequate evidence, juror bias, and improper trial rulings. The court found that Kelly leveraged his fame over 25 years to abuse numerous girls and young women, aided by his entourage. The appeals court deemed the evidence, including graphic videos, admissible, and concluded that the racketeering charge was appropriately applied. Despite a partial dissent regarding a restitution award, the conviction and sentence remain in effect.
John Q. Hosedrinker