R. Kelly found guilty in sex trafficking trial, faces life in prison
- The R&B star was convicted of racketeering and 8 counts of violating a federal law making it illegal to transport people across state lines for prostitution
- Kelly was accused of exploiting his fame over a quarter-century to lure women and underage girls into his orbit for sex
R. Kelly was convicted by a federal jury on Monday in his sex trafficking trial, where prosecutors accused the R&B singer of exploiting his stardom over a quarter-century to lure women and underage girls into his orbit for sex.
Jurors in Brooklyn federal court deliberated for a little more than one day before voting to convict the 54-year-old Kelly on all nine counts he faced, after a 5½ week trial. The verdict could put him behind bars for the rest of his life.
Kelly had been charged with one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines for prostitution.
Prosecutors said Kelly took advantage of his fame and charisma to recruit victims, including some plucked from crowds at his concerts, with the aid of people in his entourage.
Witnesses said some victims had hoped Kelly could jump-start their careers, only to find he demanded their strict obedience and would punish them if they failed.