On Thursday, R. Kelly was sentenced to 20 years in prison for child pornography and enticement of minors for sex, however avoided a lengthy add-on of a separate 30-year sentence sentence on racketeering and sex trafficking convictions.
That means the Grammy Award winner could possibly live to be a free man again, although he’d be around 80, according to the Associated Press.
R. Kelly’s Prison Sentence Means He Could Once Again Be A Free Man In His Lifetime
Prosecutors had requested Judge Harry Leinenweber to sentence the 56-year-old to 25 years, and have him start serving them only after he completed his earlier sentence.
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That means he’d essentially be sent to prison for life.
They cited Kelly’s apparent lack of remorse as he looked bored and impassive by the proceedings. Prosecution also noted the seriousness of the crimes, and had hoped the judge would have taken that into account when sentencing Kelly.
Kelly’s Attorney Pleased With Judge’s Decision: “It’s The Right Outcome”
Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, said she was quite pleased with the judge’s decision.
“It’s the right outcome,” she told reporters after Thursday’s hearing. “The judge was reasonable. He, I think, took into account both sides and ultimately was fair.”
Bonjean also elaborated on that Kelly’s silence in the courtroom, claiming that should not be viewed as a lack of remorse.
She went on to say that Kelly “very much” wanted to speak to the press, but she advised him not to as he continues to appeal his convictions.
