Prosecutors in the United States have recommended that R. Kelly should serve at least 25 years in prison for sexually abusing women and girls after he was found guilty of racketeering and trafficking last year.
In a sentencing memo filed this week, prosecutors said he “preyed upon children and young women for his own sexual gratification” for decades by relying “upon his fame, money, and popularity. … He continued his crimes and avoided punishment for them for almost 30 years and must now be held to account.”
Kelly plans to appeal the ruling once he has been given his sentence, and his lawyers have argued he should be jailed for a maximum of around 17 years under federal sentencing.
However, prosecutors described his offenses as “calculated, methodical, and part of a long-standing pattern.”
“The government has little doubt that if afforded an opportunity to offend again, the defendant would do so,” prosecutors continued. “He poses a serious danger to the public. His actions were brazen, manipulative, controlling, and coercive. He has shown no remorse or respect for the law.”
Kelly pleaded not guilty to racketeering and violating a federal law making it illegal to transport people across state lines for prostitution, but the five women and seven men of the jury found him guilty on just their second day of deliberations.
Kelly is due to be sentenced on June 29. He is still awaiting child pornography and obstruction charges which could lead to further convictions and jail time. The singer has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges against him and has repeatedly claimed he is innocent of any alleged sexual misconduct over the years.
In 2008, Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges.
