The legal saga of singer R. Kelly has taken another turn with an unequivocal decision from a federal appeals court in Chicago. Justly sentenced to 20 years in prison for charges involving minors, Kelly sees his hopes of freedom further dwindling.
The case dates back to 2022 when jurors found the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, guilty on three charges. In his appeal, Kelly argued that the former Illinois statute of limitations should have applied to his Chicago case, rather than the current law allowing prosecution while the accuser is alive.
A crucial aspect of his appeal focused on separating charges related to one accuser from those involving three others. However, the appeals court rejected these arguments, labeling Kelly‘s attempt to evade charges as a “complex scheme to keep victims silent.” Despite being acquitted on several charges, Kelly’s 20-year prison sentence was upheld.
In a written statement, Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, stated they plan to seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court and “pursue all appellate remedies until we free R. Kelly.” She emphasized that “our fight is far from over.”
Initially, Chicago prosecutors sought an even harsher sentence. However, Judge Harry Leinenweber dismissed this request, ordering Kelly to serve his 20-year sentence concurrently with another sentence imposed in New York for racketeering and human trafficking convictions.
In addition to this appeal, Kelly is also challenging the New York sentence. During hearings last month before the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, attorney Jennifer Bonjean argued that prosecutors improperly used racketeering laws to target the singer.
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