R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 Years for Sex Trafficking

50 year old R&B singer R.Kelly, has been sentenced to 30 years for sex trafficking charges on Wednesday in the Brooklyn Federal Court. According to CNN, prosecutors wanted Kelly sentenced behind bars for 25 years or more, while Kelly’s defense attorneys “asked for 10 years or fewer”.

Those who survived Kelly’s abuse joined together, holding hands and praying as the judge read Kelly’s sentence. CNN reported that Judge Ann Donnelly “considered Kelly’s own traumatic childhood” of sexual abuse, saying it may have played a part in causing his actions, but was not an excuse for them. Many believed that Kelly’s sentencing for his crimes were prolonged because he used his fame as an escape. Kelly also declined to speak in court. According to CBS News, Kelly is appealing, and will have his federal sex crimes trial in Chicago.