In February 2023, R&B singer R. Kelly received a 20-year prison sentence for possessing child pornography and engaging in activities with minors. This sentence was added to a prior 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking, handed down by a New York federal court in 2022. While this information may not be new, it provides essential context for recent developments regarding his case. According to TMZ, R. Kelly and his attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, are attempting to reduce his prison time by arguing the statute of limitations. They contend that, since the offenses occurred in the 1990s, the PROTECT Act of 2003 should not apply. Bonjean highlighted that the law does not include a provision allowing charges for actions committed before its enactment. However, the situation is not entirely straightforward. R. Kelly was convicted for these offenses in 2020, which leads prosecutors to argue that the PROTECT Act is relevant to his case. Furthermore, this law extends the statute of limitations indefinitely for crimes occurring after 2003.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide within the coming months whether to hear Kelly's appeal. Keep it locked to 103.5 The Beat for more!