R. Kelly is Found Guilty on 9 Counts

Krystal Orehek, Editor

Bribery, sexual exploitation of a child, and sex trafficking are all actions the infamous R&B singer R. Kelly was convicted of on September 28th.

The decision does not come as a surprise to many, as the “I Believe I Can Fly” star has been facing allegations of sexual abuse ever since the 90s. Writing the late singer Aaliyah’s debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number,” Kelly would become much more to her than a producer. At age 27 he married Aaliyah who was 15 at the time, this being his first of many alleged encounters with teenage girls. Throughout the 90s and 2010s, he would be sued by four women, arrested, face allegations of possession of child abuse, and have several women come forward to the press with their stories. The recent charges are a result of these victims as well as the release of a Lifetime documentary, “Surviving R. Kelly.”

R. Kelly’s mugshot. (Public Domain)

The singer was found guilty on nine counts. Jacquelyn Kasulis, US attorney from the Eastern District of New York said, “Today’s guilty verdict forever brands R. Kelly as a predator, who used his fame and fortune to prey on the young, the vulnerable and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification.” Attorney Gloria Allred represented a multiple of R. Kelly’s victims whose voices have finally been heard. She explains that even though he was the hardest predator to bring down, hopefully, it serves as a message to other celebrity predators. Kelly could face years, even decades in prison, but it won’t be decided until the sentencing in May of next year.

Deveraux Cannick is R. Kelly’s attorney and believes there were “inconsistencies” and that evidence was “cherry-picked.” The attorney and Kelly were taken aback by the verdict and are considering filing an appeal to the court.