The minstrel known as R. Kelly be pleadin' to the high court fer freedom from his 30-year shackles. Arrr!
2024-03-18
Arrr, me hearties! Methinks that scallywag Jennifer Bonjean be tellin' the court that them prosecutors be tryin' to use their fancy RICO statues to take down R. Kelly's music crew. 'Tis a battle of wits fit for the high seas, me thinks! Aye, 'tis a right good show indeed!
R. Kelly's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, appeared before an appeals court arguing that the R&B superstar was wrongly convicted of sexually abusing young fans under a racketeering statute. Bonjean claimed that prosecutors misused the law intended for organized crime to target Kelly for running a criminal enterprise involving illegal sexual activities and child pornography. She contended that the individuals around Kelly were not knowingly part of a RICO enterprise, likening the situation to frat houses or other organizations facing similar charges.Assistant U.S. Attorney Kayla Bensing defended the government's case, stating that Kelly's network aided in luring young individuals into his orbit, where they were subjected to threats and punishments for breaking his rules. Testimonies revealed that some employees were aware of Kelly's actions with underage girls, as they booked flights and knew their ages.The judges grilled both sides with questions during the hearing, with concerns raised about the knowledge of Kelly's staff regarding his illegal activities. The prosecutor argued that evidence presented at trial supported the inference that Kelly's inner circle was complicit in his actions. Despite Kelly's musical success, his criminal activities have tarnished his reputation, leading to convictions in multiple trials.