R. Kelly’s Attorneys Asking For A Shorter Sentence In The Singer’s Upcoming Child Pornography Conviction

R. Kelly’s legal team requests a lighter sentence for the singer’s child pornography conviction.

On Friday, the Chicago Tribune reported that Kelly’s attorneys are asking that his sentence does not exceed 11 years ahead of his sentencing hearing.

In September 2022, Kelly was convicted of three counts of child pornography and three counts of child enticement. The charges stem from alleged sexual affairs Kelly had with three underage girls.

Kelly is already serving a 30 year sentence after being found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering. As for now, Kelly’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean, is pushing to have the child pornography sentence served concurrently with the sex trafficking charge.

Bonjean argues that Kelly is already facing an equivalent life sentence. She added that the singer is being “punished for things that happened over a quarter century ago.” In addition, Bonjean acknowledged Kelly’s sexual abuse past. However, she says it doesn’t excuse his behavior but gives context to understand his idea of sexual activity.

Nevertheless, Cook County State’s attorney Kim Foxx announced that her office was no longer pursuing state-level charges against Kelly. The charges included 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving four victims, with three being underage.

Foxx addressed her decision in a press conference. She claims the dismissal was due to a change in their “limited resources and court time.” She also added that between Kelly’s 30-year sentence and his pending convictions, “justice has been served.”

Kelly is expected to return to court of a sentencing hearing on February 23rd.