BROOKLYN — R. Kelly, the R&B singer who for more than 25 years faced accusations of sexually abusing dozens of young victims without consequence, was found guilty of federal crimes on Monday.
Jurors deliberated for just nine hours to reach their verdict, finding Kelly guilty on all counts.
Jane Rosenberg / Reuters Federal prosecutor Elizabeth Geddes points to R. Kelly during closing arguments in the trial in a courtroom sketch, Sept. 22, 2021.
They testified, at times through tears, about how Kelly sexually, emotionally, physically, and verbally abused them, some for years.
"It is now time for the defendant, Robert Kelly, to pay for his crimes,” she continued.
Though Kelly has been indicted multiple times since the late 1990s, he has never faced criminal consequences in connection with sexual abuse.
Shannon Stapleton / Reuters A tribute for R. Kelly is written in chalk on a pathway outside Brooklyn federal court, Aug. 26, 2021. »