Court Upholds R. Kelly’s Convictions But Questions $270K Restitution in Herpes Case

R. Kelly just took another major loss in court.

On Monday, a federal appeals court denied his request to overturn his 2021 sex trafficking and racketeering convictions.

His legal team tried to claim of biased jurors, weak evidence, and bad legal representation, but none of it stuck.

Prosecutors stated that there was enough proof that Kelly used his fame to manipulate and abuse underage girls and young women for over two decades.

So, his 30-year sentence is still standing.

Kelly also complained about the government taking money from his prison commissary account and about the restitution orders. The judges weren’t moved. They ruled that the trial court was well within its rights.

Still, he walked away with one small legal win.

Judge Richard Sullivan disagreed with how much Kelly was ordered to pay one of his victims, referred to as Jane, who contracted herpes from him.

The court based her restitution on the cost of brand-name Valtrex, over $270,000 for a lifetime supply. But Sullivan pointed out that the generic version, valacyclovir, costs about $15 a month, or just under $10,000 total. He said using the higher number could give Jane a $260,000 “windfall,” especially if she chooses the cheaper drug.

Now, that part of the ruling may be sent back to the lower court for a second look.

So while Kelly stays behind bars with his conviction intact, he might end up saving a few bucks, just not enough to celebrate.