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Nicki Minaj’s brother Jelani Maraj was reportedly sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He was accused of sexually assaulting his former 12-year-old stepdaughter between April 2015 and November 2015. Judge Robert McDonald ruled the sentencing on Monday (January 27).
He was convicted for predatory sexual assault against a child and endangering the welfare of a child. According to his legal team, his sister Nicki Minaj was suppose to take the stand during trial but she opted not to.
Carol Maraj (his mother) felt the trial was unfair. She says:
“As soon as the alternate juror was sent away he spoke to the press. He said he would’ve freed Jelani Maraj, because there was no evidence … He said because every piece of clothing and everything that was presented came back negative. [There were jurors] talking about the trial way before it deliberated, even though the judge told them to go home and speak to no one. They totally ignored that there was no evidence to prove this man guilty, so they went by their own mind, their own feelings and they already had him guilty way before the trial ended.”
Nicki remains quiet about the claims.