New York federal prosecutors recommend that R. Kelly be sentenced to more than 25 years in prison. R. Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, was convicted of racketeering, including acts of bribery and sexual exploitation of a child, and separate charges of sex trafficking.
Prosecutors argued Kelly did not show any remorse for what he did.
“Musical talent absolved him of any need to conform his conduct — no matter how predatory, harmful, humiliating or abusive to others — to the strictures of the law.”
“While the government doubts that the defendant will be deterred, a lengthy sentence of imprisonment will serve to deter others — including those with wealth, fame, and the outsized power such status brings — from engaging in similar crimes,” the memorandum said.
“This is particularly so given the high-profile nature of the defendant and the likelihood that the length of his sentence will be widely publicized,” it added.
Kelly is expected to be sentenced on June 29, 2022, in the Eastern District of New York.
