R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison

R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his R&B superstardom to subject young fans to systematic sexual abuse. 

The singer and songwriter was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking last year at a trial that gave voice to accusers who had once wondered if their stories were ignored because they were Black women.

U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly imposed the sentence at a courthouse in Brooklyn. The sentence caps a slow-motion fall for Kelly, who is 55. He remained adored by legions of fans even after allegations about his abuse of young girls began circulating publicly in the 1990s.

It’s sentencing day for singer R. Kelly in Brooklyn federal court. 

He could spend decades behind bars. 

Kelly was accused of using his celebrity status and a network of people to target girls, boys and young women for sex. 

Prosecutors want the judge to sentence Kelly to at least 25 years in prison. 

His attorneys argue that he should receive no more than 10 years, citing his traumatic childhood, which included sexual abuse. 

Kelly still faces trial in Chicago on child pornography and obstruction charges.

R&B singer R. Kelly, long trailed by lurid rumors, has been charged with aggravated sexual abuse involving multiple victims dating back two decades. For a timeline, CLICK HERE.