R. Kelly sentenced to 20 years in prison in Chicago federal sex crimes case

CHICAGO (WLS) — A judge sentenced singer R. Kelly to 20 years in prison in the singer’s Chicago federal sex crimes case.

Kelly will serve 19 years of the sentence along with his current sentence in a New York case of 30 years and will serve one additional year in prison.

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Kelly was sentenced on his convictions of child pornography and enticement here in Chicago.

Attorney for R. Kelly victim speaks after singer sentenced

He was convicted in September on three counts of producing child pornography and three counts of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

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Prosecutors recommended Kelly serve 25 more years, consecutively to his New York sentence. They said he is a sexual predator who used his fame and wealth to abuse his victims, and has shown no remorse.

Kelly’s lawyer asked for a sentence of 10 years, serving it at the same time as his New York sentence. The lawyer added Kelly’s own abuse as a child justifies leniency.

R. Kelly’s attorney speaks after sentencing

In court, victims read emotional victim impact statements out load to the court. In their own words , they described the abuse they endured, calling Kelly, “abusive” and “dominating” and a “child predator.” They talked about the shame and trauma they continue to feel today.

“This is not a reckless driving offense, this is not a drug possession,” ABC7 Legal Analyst Gil Soffer said. “It’s a case involving serious sexual crimes. The judge knows that. I think it is unlikely he is going to buy an argument that he is being treated unfairly

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Kelly declined to speak at the sentencing hearing.