sentencing

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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Ex-Cop Aaron Dean Sentenced To Almost 12 Years In Prison For Fatally Shooting Atatiana Jefferson

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In October 2019, 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson was fatally shot in her Texas home by a police officer. 

Aaron Dean, the former cop responsible for pulling the trigger, was convicted of manslaughter in Jefferson’s death last week and has now been sentenced to close to 12 years behind bars.

To be exact, Dean was given a sentence of “11 years, 10 months and 12 days” according to the Associated Press. He was facing up to 20 years behind bars prior to the sentencing.

Jefferson’s neighbor reached out to a nonemergency number in 2019 and later noted that her door had been left open. At trial, it was revealed that she opened it to clear the air after her 8-year-old nephew Zion burned hamburgers. The pair had been playing video games together on the night of the shooting.

READ MORE: Say Her Name: Remembering Black Women Who Died At The Hands Of Police

According to body camera footage, Dean and another officer didn’t announce that they were the police when they approached the home. With his gun drawn, he shouted at Jefferson to show him her hands and immediately after opened fire through her window, claiming that he saw her pointing a gun in his direction.

Jefferson’s nephew offered testimony in court, saying that his aunt retrieved a gun after thinking that an intruder was near her home.

DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 24: A mourner pays respects before the start of the funeral service for Atatiana Jefferson on October 24, 2019, at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas. On October 12, 2019 Jefferson was at home with her nephew when Fort Worth police officer Aaron Y. Dean, who was responding to a non-emergency call, fired one shot through a window, killing her. Dean has since resigned from the department and been charged with murder. (Photo by Stewart F. House/Getty Images)

Following Tuesday’s sentencing, Jefferson’s sister Ashley Carr attended a news conference at her sister’s former home. Carr reportedly revealed that she wanted the ex-Forth Worth officer to receive more time. 

“Eleven years, that’s the same age as Zion,” Carr stated. “Ten months, 12 days, that’s the day that it happened. It’s a message in this. It might not be the message that we wanted and the whole dream, but it’s some of it.”

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Nipsey Hussle’s Killer Due To Be Sentenced Today

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west slauson blvd suspect lapd

The man convicted of murdering the late great, Nipsey Hussle is expected to be sentenced today.  

In July, jurors found Eric Ronald Holder Jr. guilty of first-degree murder in the 2019 killing of Hussle along with two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm.  

READ MORE: Nipsey Hussle Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

He shot the GRAMMY-winning rapper in front of his South Los Angeles clothing store and now faces life behind bars for the charges. 

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post Nipsey Hussle’s Killer Due To Be Sentenced Today appeared first on The Source.

ICYMI: Furious Five Rapper Kidd Creole Sentenced in Fatal Stabbing

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kidd creole

Rapper Kidd Creole is being sentenced after being found guilty of first-degree manslaughter. The 62-year-old Creole, whose real name is Nathaniel Glover, was sentenced to 16-years in prison today for the murder of a homeless man, John Jolly in New York City.

The founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was convicted of fatally stabbing the man with a streak knife in 2017 in Midtown.

Prosecutors accused the Bronx native of stabbing Jolly after becoming enraged because he thought Jolly was gay and was hitting on him. After stabbing Jolly, who was 55, it is reported that Kidd Creole went to his workplace nearby, changed his clothes and washed the knife. Creole was apprehended the next day.

READ MORE: Kidd Creole Tells His Side of the Story for the First Time Since Being Charged With Murder.

“Mr. Jolly’s death was devastating to his family and those who knew him,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg shared post sentencing. “Every life we lose to violent crime ripples throughout our entire city, and we will continue to ensure everyone in our borough can live their lives with the sense of safety and security they deserve.”

The post ICYMI: Furious Five Rapper Kidd Creole Sentenced in Fatal Stabbing appeared first on The Source.

Furious Five Rapper Kidd Creole Sentenced in Fatal Stabbing

by
kidd creole

Rapper Kidd Creole is being sentenced after being found guilty of first-degree manslaughter. The 62-year-old Creole, whose real name is Nathaniel Glover, was sentenced to 16-years in prison today for the murder of a homeless man, John Jolly in New York City.

The founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was convicted of fatally stabbing the man with a streak knife in 2017 in Midtown.

Prosecutors accused the Bronx native of stabbing Jolly after becoming enraged because he thought Jolly was gay and was hitting on him. After stabbing Jolly, who was 55, it is reported that Kidd Creole went to his workplace nearby, changed his clothes and washed the knife. Creole was apprehended the next day.

READ MORE: Kidd Creole Tells His Side of the Story for the First Time Since Being Charged With Murder.

“Mr. Jolly’s death was devastating to his family and those who knew him,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg shared post sentencing. “Every life we lose to violent crime ripples throughout our entire city, and we will continue to ensure everyone in our borough can live their lives with the sense of safety and security they deserve.”

The post Furious Five Rapper Kidd Creole Sentenced in Fatal Stabbing appeared first on The Source.