According to reports, singer/songwriter, R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly sentenced Kelly after a nearly three-hour hearing. His victims reportedly held hands while the sentence was read. “These crimes were calculated and carefully planned and regularly executed for almost 25 years,” she said. “You taught them that love is enslavement and violence.”
Federal prosecutors wrote in their sentencing letter R. Kelly has shown “no remorse” and for decades “exhibited a callous disregard” for the effects of his abuse on victims.
“He committed these crimes using his fame and stardom as both a shield, which prevented close scrutiny or condemnation of his actions,” prosecutors wrote. “And a sword, which gave him access to wealth and a network of enablers to facilitate his crimes, and an adoring fan base from which to cull his victims.”