An associate of R.Kelly has been sentenced to eight years in prison for setting a car on fire in an attempt to intimidate an abuse victim.
In April, 38-year-old Michael Williams pleaded guilty to arson after setting the car on fire outside of the woman’s home right before she was set to testify against the disgraced singer in court.
Williams’ attempt did not scare the woman to keep quiet and she gave her testimony in Brooklyn federal in August, where she describe in detail the sexual abuse that she endured from Kelly when she was 17.
Reports say that Williams is a relative to a former publicist of Kelly’s and he was one of the three men arrested in August 2020 for various tactics intended to bribe, threaten, and intimidate Chicago native’s victims from cooperating with federal prosecutors.
After Williams’ sentencing, Assistant US Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez read a statement on behalf of the victim, known as Jane Doe #5.
“It is very unfortunate to see a man lose his freedom, however, the crime that was committed was not only vicious but disturbing. My mental state deteriorated tremendously due to fear, invasion of privacy, and trauma among many other things. Because of your actions, I live in fear and have had to relocate my entire life.”
The statement continued, “In that home were not only adults but animals and children under the age of 10. My family is traumatized and has been in distress due to this unlawful act. I hope this life-changing event gives you time to reflect on your actions.”