It seems more and more likely that R. Kelly will spend the remaining years behind bars.
According to a sentencing memorandum obtained by Law & Crime, federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence of more than 25 years for the disgraced R&B singer. The application was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn on Wednesday, nearly eight months after Kelly, 55, was found guilty of nine charges in her federal extortion and sex trafficking case. The six-week trial included the testimony of 50 witnesses, some of whom claimed to have been sexually abused and abused by Kelly.
Prosecutors say the singer, legal name Robert Sylvester Kelly, used his status to abuse and exploit minor victims throughout his career and managed to evade guilt for decades.
“Through his actions, the defendant showed cruel contempt for the real effects of his crimes on his victims and has shown no remorse for any of his conduct. In fact, decades of the defendant appears to have been fueled by narcissism and the belief that his musical talent absolves him of any need to conform his conduct, however predatory, harmful, humiliating or abusive to others, to the restrictions of the law. ”
Prosecutors also said there was a high risk that Kelly would commit more crimes if she received a sentence of less than 25 years in prison.
“The government has little doubt that if given the opportunity to offend again, the accused would do so,” prosecutors wrote. “It simply came to our notice then. His actions were brazen, manipulative, controlling and coercive. He has shown no remorse or respect for the law. “
Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, has not yet responded to prosecutors’ recommendations. Earlier he argued that Kelly should receive between 14 and 17 and a half years in prison. Bonjean intends to appeal the 2021 sentence. His sentence is currently scheduled for June 29.
The singer will have another federal trial this summer in Chicago, where he will face charges of obstruction of justice and possession of child pornography.