A US court has convicted popular singer Robert Sylvester Kelly, aka R Kelly, of sex trafficking.
R Kelly was accused of one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Man Act, which criminalizes the transport of people across state lines for the ‘purpose of prostitution'
According to media reports in the US, the award-winning singer could face up to ten years in prison.
Acting US attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis 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 sexual gratification.”
The verdict follows a trial that lasted for one month whereby former employees and partners of the singer shared their testimonies.
Last year when he was tried in a federal court in New York, R Kelly pleaded not guilty to all charges and he has denied all sexual abuse and misconduct allegations.
For almost two decades, the popular RnB singer
known for hits such as I believe I can fly and The World’s greatest, has been surrounded by sexual abuse allegations.
Thirteen years ago, R Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges at an Illinois state trial but in 2018 multiple women started speaking out.
After "Surviving R. Kelly” documentary was released in 2019, charges were filed against him.
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