sentencing

Tory Lanez Sentencing Date Postponed, Judge Lifts Gag Order

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It’s been nearly two months since a jury convicted Tory Lanez for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. The dramatic trial became one of the most discussed legal matters of the year, especially as new details surrounding Tory and Megan’s relationship emerged. Megan took the stand to testify against Tory, as well as her former best friend, Kelsey Nicole. Each shared their accounts of the evening, ultimately securing a win for prosecutors. Tory was convicted of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, possession of a concealed, unregistered firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm. The rapper’s facing some serious time behind bars that will undoubtedly have a negative impact on his career. He’s facing over two decades in prison and the possibility of deportation, though he’s still aiming for an appeal.

In recent months, the rapper’s made several changes to his team. In mid-January, reports emerged that he hired Casey Anthony’s former lawyer, Jose Baez, to help with his appeal. Baez will work closely with Matthew Barhom and David Kenner, who famously represented Suge Knight on a robbery charge that led to a probation sentence. Over the past few months, they’ve prepared to file a motion for a new trial, beginning with postponing the sentencing date.

Gag Order On Tory Lanez Lifted

Though Tory Lanez was initially expected to face a judge for his sentencing last month, his plans to appeal have led to several delays. Per LA Mag’s Meghann Cuniff, the judge agreed to push back the sentencing date to April 10th, 2023 as the rapper and his legal team appeared in court. This will provide Tory’s team more time to prepare a new trial motion and give the prosecutors the opportunity to draft a written opposition to the request. 

In addition to getting the sentencing date postponed until next month, Judge Herriford also lifted the gag order on Tory Lanez that blocked him from speaking on Megan Thee Stallion or the case itself. The gag order was a point of contention prior to the trial beginning, even landing Tory behind bars for violating the restaining order against him. It seems likely that we might hear some sort of statement from him in the near future. We’ll keep you posted on further updates surrounding Tory Lanez’s case. 

Former NFL Star Zac Stacy Sentenced To Six Months In Jail Following Viral Domestic Incident

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Ex-Rams running back Zac Stacy has met his sentencing for the viral video showcasing a domestic incident. In the video which surfaced in 2021, Stacy is seen slamming his former partner Kristen Evans to the ground, all while their child was present. The judge presiding over the case has ruled six months in prison with probation for the football player. Fox 35 Orlando reports that Stacy had entered into a plea deal earlier this month. Accordingly, some of the charges against him have been dropped.

Evans had requested that Stacy only receive probation. But after the trial, the state found that the defendant should receive a year in jail. Working with both requests, the judge ultimately ruled in the middle ground. Additionally, Stacy is to receive counseling among other services. The gruesome video captured on a home security camera showed the then 30-year-old violently attacking Evans, while their baby was on the couch beside them. Along with throwing her viciously to the floor, Stacy hit her repeatedly. He shouted at Evans, “you gon’ ruin relationships and talk about how I’m destructive?”

Zac Stacy’s Sentence Shortened By Evans Request For Probation

After the videos were released publically and Evans had filed her restraining order, Stacy had gone on to share his opinions of the incident. He claimed that his ex-partner had framed him, suggesting that she was unhappy with him wanting to end their relationship. In the video of his arrest, he mentions how he just left rehab for mental health issues. In addition, Stacy recounts how he found out that Evans had been cheating on him with his financial advisor.

Despite the unavoidable violence that was displayed in the initial domestic abuse video, Evans was the one to advocate for Stacy’s easy punishment. In court, he offered an apology to the mother of his child: “Chris. I’m very sorry for my actions. I’m very sorry for what happened, and how I hurt you. I just wasn’t mentally or emotionally healthy, and there is absolutely no justification for what I did, no excuses for my actions toward you. I never meant to hurt you, and even with the progression we made towards co-parenting, I hope deep down you can forgive me for what I’ve caused and done to you.” Currently, reports have stated that the two have shared custody of their child. For more trending news, be sure to check out HNHH.

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Tory Lanez Sentencing Delayed, May Not Happen Until April: Report

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Since he was convicted of three counts related to Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 shooting, we haven’t heard much from Tory Lanez’s camp. Lanez took to the internet, interviews, and his music for years to mock Megan and deny he was responsible for her injuries. His dedicated fanbase stood by him, and outlets even advocated on his behalf. However, a jury later found him guilty, and he was set to be sentenced in just a few days.

Reporter Meghan Cunniff kept the world updated on what happened in the courtroom during Lanez’s trial. Today. (February 24), she offered more news on the rapper’s sentencing, suggesting it has been delayed. “Tory Lanez is scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday for shooting Megan Thee Stallion,” tweeted Cunniff. “The notice from LA Courts just now calls it only a ‘hearing.’ DA Alex Bott tells me, ‘No firm date yet but likely a date in late March to mid April.’”

It Could Be Months Before Tory Lanez Learns His Fate

ATLANTA,GA – JANUARY 30: Tory Lanez attends DJ Stevie J Birthday Celebration at Compound on January 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“This is not unexpected,” Cunniff continued. “Bott and his co-counsel Kathy Ta said in court last month that they would be willing to continue the sentencing again, depending on the availability of the trial transcripts that Lanez’s attorneys need for their motion for new trial.” Additionally, “The motion has not been filed. Motions like that are a lot of work. Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers got his sentencing delayed once so they could have time to put together their new trial motion, and they were Weinstein’s original trial counsel. Lanez has new lawyers post-trial.”

“There will still be a hearing Tuesday, in which we should learn the new sentencing date. Unless other issues come up, it could be a very brief hearing. Lanez should be there; Weinstein was in court on the day his sentencing was delayed. Judge has to ask him if he agrees to delay.”

Lanez Switched Up His Legal Team

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Immediately following his conviction, Lanez reportedly hired several new lawyers. Some stated it was because he was upset about his trial lawyer’s methods. However, it was later noted that the trial lawyer doesn’t handle appeals, so Lanez would need new representation for the next phase of his case.

R. Kelly To Be Sentenced Today In Chicago Case

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R. Kelly will be sentenced in Chicago federal court later today on federal charges of child pornography and enticing a minor. Moreover, this marks the 56-year-old’s second sentence in the past year following his 30-year sentenced in New York. In that case, the court convicted him in June 2022 for racketeering and sex trafficking charges. In addition, the court also denied the singer’s legal team’s request for a new trial last week. With a minimum of a ten-year prison term looming over this next sentencing, many wonder how they will choose to make Kelly serve time.

Furthermore, prosecutors asked for a 25-year sentence to take effect after he finishes serving his 30 years. “Robert Kelly is a serial sexual predator who, over the course of many years, specifically targeted young girls and went to great lengths to conceal his abuse of Jane and other minor victims,” they expressed in a filing. “To this day, and even following the jury verdict against him, Kelly refuses to accept responsibility for his crimes.” Meanwhile, his defense maintained that he’s already serving a “de facto life sentence” and should serve new time while he completes his 30-year sentence. Still, Kelly will likely be in prison for the majority of his remaining life.

R. Kelly’s Uncertain Future Ahead Of Sentence

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 06: Singer R. Kelly leaves the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on June 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The singer appeared in front of a judge to face new charges of criminal sexual abuse. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

“In the unlikely event that Kelly was to survive his 30-year sentence, there is no reason to believe he would reoffend as a geriatric in his mid-80s,” his legal team stated. “The overwhelming majority of Kelly’s criminal conduct was committed a quarter century ago.” While both sides made compelling arguments for the R&B star, the judge will ultimately decide how he serves time. Moreover, his federal trial in Chicago revolved around five women’s testimonies that he abused them in the late 1990s. However, other prosecutors such as those in Cook County, Illinois dropped state sex-crime charges following his New York sentencing.

“I understand how hard it was for these victims to come forward and tell their stories. I applaud their courage and have the utmost respect for everyone who came forward,” Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx remarked. “While this may not be the result they were expecting, due to the sentences that Mr. Kelly is facing, we do feel that justice has been served.” Regardless of these developments, stick around on HNHH to see what will become of R. Kelly’s fate.

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R. Kelly Prosecutors Want 25 Years Of Additional Prison Time

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Prosecutors in the R. Kelly trial in Chicago requested the judge to sentence him to another 25 years in prison. Moreover, federal prosecutors seek more time for convictions of child pornography and enticement last year, which could add to his New York sentence. Furthermore, the court already sentenced him to 30 years in jail. Also, another government request suggested he serve his new sentence only after he completes the 30 years. On Thursday (February 16), prosecutors told the U.S. District Court in Chicago through their motion that Kelly is “sadistic,” “a serial sexual predator,” and “poses a serious danger to society.”

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 26: R&B singer R. Kelly covers his mouth as he speaks to members of his entourage as he arrives at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building for a hearing on June 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing several counts of aggravated sexual abuse. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

“The only way to ensure Kelly does not reoffend is to impose a sentence that will keep him in prison for the rest of his life,” the 37-page government filing maintained. The singer’s sentencing for his Chicago trial is due next week. However, his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean pushed back against these new requests in a filing last week out of concern for his life. “Kelly would have to defy all statistical odds to make it out of prison alive,” she said. Furthermore, she recommended a sentence of 10 years that he could serve in tandem with his New York sentence.

Previosly, Bonjean claimed that Kelly faced unjust scrutiny and treatment in comparison to similarly charged white musicians. “None have been prosecuted and none will die in prison,” she expressed. Despite these arguments, the prosecution pushed for a long sentence that adds to his existing time, not one that stands within it. Still, they acknowledged but justified that a 25-year sentence goes beyond recommended sentencing guidelines.

“A consecutive sentence is eminently reasonable given the egregiousness of Kelly’s conduct,” their filing stated. “Kelly’s sexual abuse of minors was intentional and prolific.” Meanwhile, this decision rests on Chicago Judge Harry Leinenweber. While the artist’s legal team sought to appeal both cases, they also described him as a damaged, abused, and trauma-struck individual. Regardless, his actions caused his financial collapse and in one of the most high-profile cases of celebrity accountability. Log back into HNHH for the latest court updates and more news on R. Kelly.

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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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Judge Delays Tory Lanez Sentencing Date By A Month

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Tory Lanez will be sentenced in late February, instead of later this month, after the rapper changed his legal team. Per Fox 11 Los Angeles, a judge pushed back the rapper’s sentencing date from Jan. 27th to Feb. 28th.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 15: Tory Lanez performs onstage during 2018 V-103 Winterfest at State Farm Arena on December 15, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

The news comes days after George Mgdesyan stepped down from Tory’s legal team. Instead, David Kenner, who represented Suge Knight in the 90s and beat Snoop Dogg’s murder trial, will lead Tory’s legal team. Kenner told Superior Court Judge David Herriford that he was awaiting transcripts from the trial in order to file a motion for a new trial.

At this point, Kenner hasn’t revealed how the legal team will move forward with Tory’s case but Mgdesyan explained that the famed attorney came on board for post-conviction motions, including future appeals. Kenner told reporters outside of court that he’s looking forward to litigating the next portion of Lanez’s trial.

A jury convicted the Canadian rapper on Dec. 23rd of three counts related to the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. The rapper was found guilty of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Tory Lanez performs on stage during Wireless Festival 2019 on July 05, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns)

Following the guilty verdict, a lawyer representing Megan Thee Stallion issued a statement, reading, “The jury got it right. I am thankful there is justice for Meg.”

Tory Lanez is facing a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months in prison. A judge will likely order him his deportation back to Canada after he completes his sentence.

We will keep you posted on any further updates regarding Tory Lanez’s sentencing.

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Tory Lanez Hires New Legal Team Ahead Of Sentencing

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Following Tory Lanez’s guilty verdict last month, the singer has apparently decided to bring on a new legal team. After hiring David Kenner, who previously represented Suge Knight, Lanez is also now working with Matthew Barhoma.

Famously covering Lanez’s recent trial, legal reporter Meghan Cuniff shared on Twitter Tuesday, “Just in: Tory Lanez has another new lawyer, in addition to David Kenner. Matthew Barhoma ‘is known for his successes in vacating convictions for numerous defendants who faced wrongful and overzealous prosecutions and unjust charges.’ He is in the hallway with Kenner now.” 

In another tweet, Cuniff then shared that Lanez’s sentencing was pushed back as his team seeks a new trial.

“Rapper Tory Lanez’s sentencing for shooting Megan Thee Stallion has been rescheduled from Jan. 27 to Feb. 28 as his new lawyers prepare to ask the judge to grant him a new trial. This was finalized in court a few minutes ago,” she also tweeted.

The “Say It” singer was represented by George Mgdesyan in his recent shooting case. But he was nonetheless found guilty on all charges, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm (personal use of a firearm).

READ MORE: Mariah The Scientist Faces Backlash Over Old Tweets Defending Tory Lanez 
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Tory Lanez performs on stage during Wireless Festival 2019 on July 05, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns)

Making it clear that he and Lanez didn’t have a falling out, Mgdesyan previously shared that he simply needed to hire a lawyer who specialized in appeals. He reportedly called him a “friend” and also revealed, “I don’t do appeals, so we had to get somebody on board to handle the appeal.”

Lanez, who was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020, is currently sitting behind bars as he awaits his sentencing. He could be looking at over 20 years in prison.

Check back in with HNHH for new updates on Lanez’s sentencing and potential appeals.

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Jen Shah Sentencing: Reality Star Will Serve 78 Months In Prison

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Celebrity legal cases have been coming in droves lately. Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez wrapped things up in court at the end of 2022. Now, Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial is beginning. Outside of the world of hip-hop, reality stars like Jen Shah are facing serious legal time too.

On Friday (January 6), the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member was sentenced to 78 months (or 6.5 years) in prison for committing wire fraud. Her attorney, Priya Chaudry, spoke with Page Six earlier today about the news.

“Jen Shah deeply regrets the mistakes that she has made and is profoundly sorry to the people she has hurt,” her statement reads. “Jen has faith in our justice system, understands that anyone who breaks the law will be punished, and accepts this sentence as just.”

Additionally, Chaudry went on to say, “Jen will pay her debt to society and when she is a free woman again, she vows to pay her debt to the victims harmed by her mistakes.”

During today’s courtroom session, US District Judge Sidney Stein said, “Jen Shah’s role on the ‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,’ which I guess is why the courtroom is so full today, is just that, a role. People should not confuse the character she plays on an entertainment show to the person before me.”

It was said several times that the 49-year-old was a “leader” in the conspiracy. “Every cooperator told us, Jen Shah is the boss. They all knew who she was,” Assistant US Attorney Robert Sobelman specifically noted.

“There is not one message from her that expresses any type of remorse, not one. The defence hasn’t submitted any. That’s not how she felt even when she pled guilty,” he also said.

As Page Six notes, Shah pleaded guilty in July for her role in a telemarketing scheme. For several months, she scammed thousands of people out of money, though she targeted the elderly in particular.

“[Shah] and her co-conspirators persisted in their conduct until the victims’ bank accounts were empty. Their credit cards were at their limits, and there was nothing more to take,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing submission. Their hope was to see the TV star sentenced to 10 years in prison. Initially, that number was 14.

She previously expressed plans to “fight” the case while maintaining her innocence, though that later changed. When speaking in front of the judge, Shah said, “I want to apologize by saying, I am doing all I can to earn the funds to pay restitution.” Afterward, she blamed the incident on her “longstanding untreated mental issues,” which caused her to “create [her] own fractured reality.”

Jen Shah’s current prison surrender date is February 17. Check back with HNHH later for any updates.

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Leader Of Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Sentenced To 16 Years In Prison

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A judge has sentenced Adam Fox to 16 years in prison for his role in plotting to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer. Prosecutors say that Fox was the leader in the scheme.

“There is need for public understanding of the cost of this kind of wrongdoing and certainly for specific deterrence as well. And there is impact on our overall governmental system, not just physical threat to our sitting governor, it’s the emotional baggage that now our governor will have to carry and that she’s written about in her report,” Judge Robert Jonker said in court on Tuesday.

SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 16: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer introduces Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden delivers remarks about health care at Beech Woods Recreation Center October 16, 2020 in Southfield, Michigan. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

He added: “And beyond that, it does affect not just the willingness and eagerness of our own governor to continue in office but undoubtedly affects other people who are either in public office or are considering public office.”

Fox’s defense attorney Christopher Gibbons said the ruling “overstates the reality of the conduct” of which Fox is accused.

Fox declined to comment on the sentence. Instead, he told the court, “I’m satisfied with what my lawyer said.”

His legal team has also argued that the FBI committed entrapment in the case.

Prosecutors requested that Fox receive the maximum sentence of life in prison. They noted that he has expressed no remorse, arguing he “will remain a danger to the public.”

A jury originally convicted Fox on charges of kidnapping conspiracy and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction in August.

Fox, along with the rest of his group, the “Wolverine Watchmen,” originally plotted to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. The FBI interrupted their plans before they could act on them.

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