R. Kelly has hired the high-profile attorney who helped secure Bill Cosby’s release; to help appeal his racketeering conviction in New York. According to the Chicago Tribune, on Friday the 29th of October, Jennifer Bonjean, a New York-based lawyer, filed her appearance in the; “I Believe I Can Fly” singer’s case in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn; where the musician was convicted on sex abuse and racketeering charges last month. Bonjean told the outlet that she plans to lead Kelly’s appeal and post-conviction motions, which are due on Monday November 1st. However, she has requested a two-month extension.
Jennifer Bonjean spearheaded Cosby’s appeal of his sex crimes conviction in Pennsylvania and helped get Bill released from prison.
In September, Kelly was convicted of one count of racketeering, with 14 underlying acts that included sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, kidnapping and sex trafficking charges. He was also convicted of eight counts of violations of the Mann Act; a sex trafficking law that makes it illegal to move anyone across state lines; “for any immoral purpose.” Kelly’s sentencing is set for May 4, 2022; where he potentially faces 10 years to life in prison.
However, Kelly’s legal woes are far from over. Last week, a Chicago judge set the date for the child pornography trial that he is facing in his home state. The 12 Play vocalist is being accused of recording his sexual encounters; with multiple underage girls and bribing possible witnesses with cash and gifts to remain silent about his crimes. He is set to stand trial for those federal sex charges next August.