On Wednesday (June 29), embattled entertainer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison in his federal sex crimes case. Back in September, Kelly was convicted of 9 federal charges, including sex crimes and human trafficking.
Over the month-long case, prosecutors called dozens of witnesses to the stand, who testified that Kelly groomed and abused them, and that his employees, including managers, bodyguards, and assistants all knew what Kelly was doing.
While Kelly didn't speak during his sentencing, seven of his victims gave impact statements, including one woman who told him, "You made me do things that broke my spirit. I literally wished I would die because of how low you made me feel. Do you remember that?"
U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly also addressed Kelly during the sentencing, telling him, "Although sex was certainly a weapon that you used, this is not a case about sex. It’s a case about violence, cruelty and control."
Following his sentencing, Kelly is facing child pornography and obstruction of justice charges in Chicago, where a trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 15.
Source: AP
