crime

R. Kelly Denied New Trial, Will Be Sentenced Next Week

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His attorneys have hoped that his 2022 conviction of child pornography charges would be overturned, but R. Kelly will remain behind bars. The disgraced singer has faced several sexual abuse charges after shocking allegations continued to surface. Following last year’s outcome, Kelly’s lawyers argued there wasn’t “enough evidence to sustain a guilty verdict on all six counts Kelly was convicted of.”

However, a judge disagreed, and the conviction stands. This means Kelly will face sentencing next week, on February 23. Defense attorneys claimed that an alleged victim known as “Jane” perjured herself on the stand. They said she lied about not wanting restitution following the singer’s conviction. To them, it meant she was motivated by means “that were not entirely honest.”

R. Kelly leaves the Leighton Criminal Court Building after a hearing on sexual abuse charges on May 7, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. – Kelly is charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Read More: R. Kelly’s Lawyers Claim He’s Unfairly Targeted, Cite Elvis Presley Dating 14-Year-Old Wife

For decades, the hitmaker has been at the center of allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct. He was previously acquitted of charges related to child pornography back in the 1990s. However, rumors and gossip continued until the explosive arrival of Surviving R. Kelly. Last September, Kelly was found guilty of the child pornography charges in addition to three counts of enticing a minor. Defense attorneys told the judge that evidence didn’t prove that Kelly “enticed” anyone.

“Jane testified about how Kelly gradually persuaded her into sexual activity with him,” the judge reportedly wrote in court documents. “Jane described how Kelly induced her into making Videos One through Three and that Kelly positioned the camera and told Jane exactly what to do and say while having sex with him.”

Read More: R. Kelly Cases: Chicago Prosecutor Drops Sex Abuse Charges In State Case

The singer has also already been convicted in New York. In that case, he was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking and was sentenced to 30 years. Next week, he faces upwards of 90 years in prison.

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NBA Star Bryn Forbes Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Girlfriend

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Another NBA player is facing allegations of domestic abuse, and it’s reported Bryn Forbes has been arrested. The current free agent was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves before being released. He was in San Antonio, Texas, when, according to police, Forbes became angry with his girlfriend while they were out for the evening. Things were said to have taken a turn once the couple arrived back home in the early morning hours.

The exact details of what occurred are unclear. However, PEOPLE reported the woman told authorities Forbes struck her multiple times. After police arrived at the scene, EMTs were called to help the woman with her purported injuries. She was later transported for additional treatment. Those injuries haven’t been shared.

Bryn Forbes #6 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena on March 02, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Read More: NBA To Help DeMarcus Cousins Surrender In Domestic Violence Case: Details

Authorities claimed, “[The woman] was allegedly struck several times by [Forbes], causing injury and pain.” They added, “EMS/SAFD responded and provided medical attention to the [woman]. [Forbes] at this time was arrested and is expected to be booked into jail. The follow-up unit and CSI were notified.” Forbes was arrested on suspicion of assault with bodily injury.”

The Daily Mail reported the alleged victim’s name is Elsa Jean, a former adult film star. Their “source” claimed that Jean had only been living with Forbes for a few months. Forbes, a father of two, signed with the Timberwolves last July. However, he was reportedly released from the team just last week. Formerly, he has been a part of the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and Timberwolves throughout his seven-season career with the NBA.

Read More: Miles Bridges Hit With Probation In Domestic Violence Case

The baller nor Jean has confirmed or denied anything about this incident. Daily Mail further reported that Forbes and Jean were set up by Jordyn Woods, whose boyfriend plays for the Timberwolves. The outlet’s source also stated Jean cut off her relationship with Forbes immediately after the altercation. She is reportedly “devastated” about what occurred.

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Rapper Yung Corleon Sentenced To 27 Years For Sex Trafficking

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A rapper with dreams of stardom will spend the next few decades in prison after it was reportedly Yung Corleon was recently sentenced. Corleon, real name Aryion Jackson, was accused of sex trafficking several women and a minor—a 14-year-old. In December 2022, Jackson pleaded guilty to the sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to traffic an adult female by force, fraud, or coercion. The Houston Chronicle detailed the allegations against Jackson, adding that the teen in the case was a missing runaway.

Corleon reportedly forced the women and teen to get tattoos, branding themselves as his property. He made them prostitute themselves by threats of violence. Investigators claimed the 14-year-old was first reported as a runaway back in September 2019. She was said to have been “forced to have sex with people for three months.” When first questioned by police, the young girl claimed she was 19 and showed a fake driver’s license.

Read More: R. Kelly Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking & Racketeering

Further, the teen told police that she worked at a nearby strip club. She was also interviewed by cops just one month after being reported missing, but she said she was Jackson’s girlfriend. According to the girl, the rapper was aware of her real age, and she traveled with him to attend Rap shows. Much of the information authorities received about Jackson came from the teen. She revealed that as many as 12 women and girls were being kept in a “trap house.”

It was stated that Corleon also didn’t provide care or food for the women and girls. However, it was alleged that he kept them supplied with drugs. The Chronicle also shared that it was after one of the adult women was rescued that the rapper’s nefarious deeds surfaced. If Jackson’s victims didn’t make the amount of money he had in mind per day, they also risked getting “their ass beat.”

Read More: Rapper Cash Out Faces 41-Count Indictment For Rape, Sex Trafficking, Racketeering: Report

Additionally, Corleon is reportedly a gang member who advertised himself as a pimp. He previously faced charges related to drugs and weapon possession. Although he spent time in custody over the years, investigators also stated that Jackson would still continue his operation from behind bars. After serving his sentence, Corleon must register as a sex offender and be on parole for 15 years.

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Young Thug Trial Faces Bump As Lawyers Of Two YSL Codefendants Are Pregnant

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The Young Thug and YSL trial recently took a turn as two lawyers of codefendants are now pregnant. Now, both YSL members potentially face separate trials at a later date that could keep them incarcerated for longer. Moreover, prosecutors filed a motion this week to eliminate Tenquarius Mender and Kahlieff Adams from Thug’s trial. Furthermore, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that prosecutors referred to “impending and imminent personal leave of absence.” However, the pregnant lawyers in question dismissed these notions and maintained they can fully represent their clients.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Rapper Young Thug performs at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

“I don’t think pregnancy should be treated as a disease or a disability,” Nicole Fegan, who represents Mender, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “If Rihanna can do it, I’m sure that we can both adequately represent our clients.” While Thugger’s trial could last from six to nine months, it’s unclear how far along each lawyer is in their pregnancy. Interestingly, Fegan requested the judge to sever her client from the RICO case, and the court denied said motion. Following that, now she objected to the state creating a separate trial. From her statement, she seemed to specifically highlight that jury selection is already underway. As such, any initial plans she had for severance would now hurt the process too much.

“I think at this point, trying them separately would be expensive and potentially prejudicial because the jury selection process has already started,” Fegan remarked. “We’ve been on this case since May, and in May I wasn’t pregnant.” On the other hand, neither Mender nor Adams expressed desires for new lawyers after this revelation, at least as of writing this article. Moreover, the court will hear this motion on Tuesday (February 21) at the earliest.

Meanwhile, jury selection for YSL’s case already faced several delays and could take a while to complete. Considering that, these developments only mean more time and money for the court, and months behind bars for defendants. For example, after excusing many jurors for varied health and circumstance reasons, the court sought out an additional 300 potential jurors. Whether these pregnancies pose an obstacle for the collective remains to be seen. However, prosecutors seem keen on focusing in on the meat of the case and setting precedent for later convictions. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest on Young Thug and the YSL trial.

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XXXTentacion Murder Trial: Ex-GF Of Defendant Delivers Key Testimony

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During the ongoing trial of XXXTentacion‘s 2018 murder, defendant Dedrick Williams’s former girlfriend Tenell Carter took to the stand. Her testimony revealed shocking news to the courtroom. Williams, along with Robert Allen and Michael Boatwright are currently on trial for allegedly killing X. All three defendants face life without parole sentence. The trial commenced on February 7th and has been ongoing in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit.

Carter took the stand this week to testify for the prosecution about her knowledge of the defendant’s alleged involvement. In Carter’s examination, it is revealed that Williams was not only allegedly at the assassination but also knew those involved. While on the stand, the witness was asked, “Dedrick Williams actually told you that he was present during the robbery and the homicide of Jahseh Onfroy, did he not,” to which she replied, “yes ma’am.” Afterward, the question was followed up with, “did he tell you that he also saw the robbery occur by the shooter and another gunman, correct?” and “and he told you you knew them personally?” Carter confirmed both questions.

Defendant Allegedly At The Scene Of The Crime

The prosecution also questioned the involvement of other celebrities who are involved in the case. She asked carter, “did he ever tell you that the shooting of Jahseh Onfroy had anything to do with Drake.” After Carter’s response of “no,” the prosecution continued to question any knowledge the witness had obtained. Specifically, about Migos, DJ Akademiks, Joe Budden, or any other Toronto connections. Carter then affirmed that she had never heard anything from Williams about their involvement.

This week, Drake’s motion to avoid his deposition on the case was granted. The Toronto rapper was initially held under suspicion after Williams’s defense attorney noted how he was never investigated after the murder, especially given the circumstances of his beef with XXXTentacion. But after Drake’s attorney proved the lack of connection between Drizzy and the case at hand. Subsequently, the judge granted him a pardon from having to take the stand for cross-examination. As the case proceeds to unfold, the prosecution continues to squash unproductive conspiracy theories.

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XXXTentacion Case: Woman Who Rented Killer’s Car Says Defendant Apologized To Her

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After nearly five years of waiting, three defendants are on trial for the murder of XXXTentacion. The rapper was killed in July 2018 while trying to leave a motorbike shop in Florida before four people accosted and robbed him. He was sitting in his vehicle when another car blocked his exit. The group jumped out and immediately attacked the rapper, and the botched robbery turned deadly.

One defendant, Robert Allen, has already agreed to a plea of second-degree murder. He turned state’s witness and has testified against his former friends. Additionally, a woman named Tony Robinson was also called to testify. She told the court she was responsible for renting the vehicle used in the murder.

SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 27: Fans leave items at a makeshift memorial outside the XXXTentacion Funeral & Fan Memorial at BB&T Center on June 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
Read More: XXXTENTACION Trial: Defense Lawyer’s Motion To Introduce Rapper’s Alleged Cheating Rejected By Judge

“I received a call from Chucky,” Robinson stated, “saying that Big Rob (Allen) wanted to rent a car but because Chucky, Dedrick Williams, wasn’t going to be present, I asked him to have Big Rob call me directly.” Following XXXTentacion’s murder, three of the four men crashed the vehicle. Elsewhere during Robinson’s testimony, she said Williams apologized to her for getting her “caught up” in the case.

Another issue in this case has been the alleged involvement of several celebrities. Drake’s name has been mentioned repeatedly, as there have been rumors about him setting up XXXTentacion’s murder. It sounds far-fetched, and Robert Allen testified that he doesn’t know Drizzy at all. In fact, he said he didn’t even know anyone from Toronto and never spoke with Drake in his life. He was also asked about being connected to DJ Akademiks or Ski Mask The Slump God, but he denied knowing them as well.

Read More: XXXTENTACION Case: State Witness Denies Connection To Drake, Akademiks Or Ski Mask The 4 God

Meanwhile, Drake came close to appearing in court after being deposed. However, his attorney jumped into high gear, and fortunately for the rapper, the motion was tossed out. According to reports, defense attorneys have struggled to combat Allen’s testimony about the crime. They’ve attempted to discredit him and even entered the Drake theory, but the case against the three remaining defendants is stacked high.

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Taxstone Trial Begins, Troy Ave To Testify

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After countless delays, Taxstone’s murder trial is finally underway. Daryl Campbell, known professionally as Taxstone, was caught in a shootout during a T.I. concert in New York City. Shots were fired at the venue, Irving Plaza, after the former rapper drew beef with Roland “Troy Ave” Collins. As a result, Troy Ave’s bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter was killed. While Taxstone has already pleaded guilty to gun possession, sentencing will be decided after the murder trial, according to HipHopDX.

Six years after his initial arrest, Taxstone takes to the courts again. The state has two cooperating witnesses with close ties to the case: Troy Ave and Malcolm Kinyon. The former is also charged with his connection to the murder and weapon possession, however, he signed a cooperation agreement with the Manhattan District’s Attorney Office. Kinyon, on the other hand, had no direct correlation to the murder scene. But Taxstone allegedly had confided to Kinyon after the incident. Kinyon is also under fire with the law with hefty drug and firearm trafficking charges.

Taxstone Trial Finally Underway

Last month, Troy Ave sat down with My Expert Opinion podcast host Math Hoffa to reflect on the ordeal. Despite his charges, Troy remains his story of acting in self-defense. CCTV footage reveals Troy firing a firearm, but according to Troy, that’s not the full story. He explained to Hoffa, “I mean you see a lot of n*ggas running, ducking for cover, and you know n*ggas that’s supposed to be standing around n*ggas they folded, I stood tall. It’s like you come in here you bought to do work, and before you walk in the door there’s a hater there blocking your way, and the hater killed your friend and tried to kill you, and everything is self-defense.”

Troy Ave continues to defend himself by revealing how his fight-or-flight spirit kicked in when he was threatened by a gun. He describes, “I’m not running… bullets in me. I’m gonna take the gun, I’m gonna beat you n*gga and I’m gonna blow at you, but what the media shows is me shooting.” Troy also recalls the moments when his bodyguard went down, “I really picked up my man body, n*gga. Like, I picked him up. All these n*ggas that was there… Maino was there, any n*gga there, they didn’t help me pick up Banga’s body, they walked past.” For the latest details on the Taxstone murder trial, be sure to check out HNHH!

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Buffalo Gunman Sentenced To Life Without Parole, Family Member Attempts To Attack Him In Court

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Nine months following the gruesome mass shooting in Buffalo, NY, gunman Payton Gendron has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. The 19-year-old domestic terrorist had killed 10 people during a racially fueled attack of an East Buffalo grocery store. According to the New York Times, Gendron is “an avowed white supremacist.” He specifically targeted the Tops Friendly Market based on its primarily black customer base. All of the deceased victims were black.

Grieving family members testified in front Gendron, who offered an apology for his actions. Sheryl Crawley, the granddaughter of victim Ruth Whitfield, called the gunman “a cowardly racist.” She continued her powerful testimony directed at not only Gendron, but also the larger movement behind his motives. “You recorded the last moments of our loved ones’ lives to garner support for your hateful cause, but you immortalize them instead,” she explained. “We are extremely aware that you are not a lone wolf, but a part of a larger organized network of domestic terrorists. And to that network, we say we as a people are unbreakable.”

A Trial Filled With Raw Emotions

Other family members also spoke out, including Zeneta Everhart whose son Zaire was one of the three surviving victims. She hauntingly told Gendron, “the world says you have to forgive in order to move on. But I stand before you today to say that will never happen.” Gendron’s sentencing had been interrupted twice by emotionally distraught family members. One member of the gallery had lunged at Gendron, but was restrained. Another had interrupted his personal statement by screaming at the defendant. Presiding over the case was Judge Susan Eagan, who acknowledged the anger harboring within the audience, but calmly consoled the court back to order.

Judge Eagan also prepared a statement regarding racism and white supremacy that she read to the courtroom. She referred to the ideologies as an “insidious cancer on our society and nation.” The gunman was merely 18 at the time of his horrific act of terrorism but had thoroughly pre-planned the May 14th attack. Gendron had even gone to the lengths to live-stream the shooting. Allegedly, the killer had previously expressed his desire to commit a school shooting in 2021 but was never flagged for posing a threat. Now, Gendron will be permanently locked behind bars. Judge Eagan told the gunman during trial, “you will never see the light of day as a free man again.”

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Drake Dodges Deposition In XXXTENTACION Murder Trial

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Drake likely never thought that the silent tension brewing between himself and XXXTENTACION would ever lead to a deposition. X took many issues with Drake in the years prior to his death. It began with Drake’s “KMT” flow, which X said was stolen from “Look At Me!” However, the tension between them escalated even further beyond that. Unfortunately, it led to numerous allegations that Drake somehow had some involvement in the Broward County rapper’s death, which defense attorneys mentioned on numerous occasions since the trial began.

Dedrick Williams’ attorney, Mauricio Padilla, said that investigators never looked into Drake and X’s beef prior to making arrests. Additionally, he brought up the fact that X’s mother asked his uncle to accompany him when he went shopping for a motorcycle out of fear of the public feuds he had with well-known rappers. During the pre-trial, Padilla mentioned that he wanted Drake on the witness stand to testify in the trial. Shortly after, he filed a motion to have Drake sit down for a deposition, which a judge granted over the weekend. Even after the state’s witness, Robert Allen – the fourth suspect arrested over X’s death – said that he didn’t know Drake, anyone from Toronto, or any parties associated with the Canadian artist.

Judge Grants Drake’s Motion To Dodge Deposition

It looks like Drake won’t have to sit down for a deposition after all. According to TMZ, Judge Michael A. Usan granted Drake’s motion to dodge the deposition. Drizzy’s attorney appeared in court earlier this week where he explained that, not only was the subpoena flawed, but that there isn’t a shred of evidence tying the rapper to X’s death. Though the judge agreed, he stated that he would have to work out a schedule with the defense for a deposition. Judge Usan ultimately backtracked on that ruling and let Drizzy off the hook once the rapper’s lawyer explained that his client had no relevant information to provide.

Now, is there a possibility that Drake might still have to sit down for a deposition? Potentially but that would require some serious work from Padilla, especially since the trial is already underway. For now, it appears that Drake is in the clear and won’t have any involvement in the trial moving forward. We’ll keep you posted if anything changes in the future. Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below.

Lil Nas X & Zedd Under Fire In $1 Million House Party Lawsuit

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Rule breaker Lil Nas X has been named in a hefty lawsuit over a house party he threw in Hollywood. Along with the “Old Town Road” singer is DJ Zedd, who allegedly brought his mixing skills to the party. The rager ended up hosting almost 1,000 guests despite clear lease rules against throwing big parties. Daniel Fitzgerald, the landlord who rented out the Hollywood Hills Mansion to Nas-X” class=”text-word” target=”_blank” >Lil Nas X in 2022, is now suing both the rapper and DJ over property damages.

According to KTLA, Fitzgerald claimed to have made his no-party rule clear when the rapper initially signed the lease. Breaking the rules resulted in damages worth over $25,000, not to mention an additional $40,000 in extensive repairs. Needless to say, Fitzgerald is not happy with the choices of his tenant, and now suffers from the aftermath of the rager. Meanwhile, both Lil Nas X and Zedd allegedly were paid $250,000 each for throwing the party. Fitzgerald is also after the sponsors and promoters of the party and is pursuing $1 million in total compensation.

Lil Nas X’s Wild Party Gone Wrong

Lil Nas X is currently touring across North America and Europe for his ‘Long Live Montero’ tour. The set list includes some of his biggest hits including “Panini”, “Sun Goes Down”, and of course, “Old Town Road.” He’s also performing his newest single, “‘Star Walking’ (League of Legends World Anthem),” which is inspired by his League of Legends presidency. While it may seem unlikely that both Zedd and Lil Nas X would find themselves in this predicament, the duo shares a common love for video games. Plus, they both are extraordinarily talented top-charting artists with Grammys under their accolades.

Although neither of the defendants have made any comments on the lawsuit, it’s safe to assume that they are continuing on with life unfazed. Both Lil Nas X and Zedd will be performing in top festivals this year, and the German-Russian DJ has just sold his house for over $18 million. As for Fitzgerald, it’s unclear whether he will receive the entirety of his compensation. Fitzgerald owns several other properties in the area, so let’s just hope he has better tenants next time!

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