R. Kelly Appeals Racketeering Conviction, Argues Lack of Proof of Criminal Enterprise
R&B star R. Kelly has appealed his racketeering conviction that led to a 30-year prison sentence, claiming that federal prosecutors in Brooklyn did not adequately prove that his sexual activities were part of a criminal enterprise.
During oral arguments before a three-judge panel of the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean stated, “This was an organization that the government failed to prove had any criminal purpose.”
However, Judge Denny Chin questioned this argument by pointing out that the government did present evidence suggesting that one purpose of the enterprise was to recruit underage girls for illegal sexual activities.
Bonjean countered by stating that while Kelly’s entourage did seek out women to invite backstage, there was no evidence to suggest they intentionally sought out minors. She emphasized, “There was no evidence presented [that] any of those individuals did so believing or knowing that someone was underage.”
On the other hand, federal prosecutors argued that Kelly had a system in place to lure young individuals into his circle, and his inner circle members knew that the recruited girls were underage. Assistant United States attorney Kayla Bensing stated, “Kelly’s inner circle knew what was going on, that he was recruiting and maintaining underage women for sexual activity.”
Bensing further argued that members of Kelly’s inner circle also played a role in holding women against their will, stating, “The enterprise was tightly tied to the facilitation of the forced labor predicate acts in this case.”
The appeals court will now review the arguments presented by both sides before making a decision on whether to uphold or overturn R. Kelly’s conviction.
This case highlights the ongoing legal battles faced by R. Kelly, who has been serving time for various criminal charges related to sexual misconduct. The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for his future legal proceedings.
Stay tuned for updates on this case as it continues to unfold.
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