R. Kelly’s Request For New Trial On Child Pornography Charges Rejected

R. Kelly used to be one of the most beloved singers at one point in time, but that is all in the past. His fall from grace is well-documented, as many women came forward and revealed what kind of person he really is. In fact, R. Kelly’s request for a new trial in his child pornography case in Chicago has been rejected, and he is set to be sentenced as planned next week.

Following his trial in September 2022, the disgraced R&B singer, R. Kelly, was convicted on six of the 13 counts against him, including the creation of child pornography and enticing minors into illegal sexual activity. However, he was acquitted of other charges that alleged he had tampered with a 2008 state-court trial related to the same child pornography accusations.

Despite his legal team’s efforts, R. Kelly’s motions for either a conviction overturn or a new trial were denied by Judge Harry D. Leinenweber on Thursday, February 16. According to Billboard, in his written denial, Leinenweber ruled that federal prosecutors provided “enough evidence to sustain a guilty verdict on all six counts Kelly was convicted of.”

One of the central arguments of R. Kelly’s appeal was focused on his accuser, “Jane,” who testified during the trial that the singer filmed their sexual encounters when she was only 14 years old. However, Kelly’s legal team contended that Jane’s testimony was “not truthful” due to her apparent intention to seek financial compensation from Kelly in the event that he was convicted.

However, Leinenweber countered by saying: “Simply because Jane and her attorney considered the possibility of restitution does not mean she lied during her testimony. Jane’s testimony was that she was undecided. Her testimony was not that she was not intending to pursue restitution.”

R. Kelly’s legal team still has the option to fight the conviction by filing a motion with a federal appeals court, and potentially with the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the likelihood of victory through these channels is considered low.

The disgraced is due to be sentenced on February 23 and faces as many as 90 additional years in prison. We will keep you updated on this ongoing story right here at Thirsty For News.

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