Multiplatinum R&B singer, R. Kelly, has been ordered by U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly, to pay at least $300,000 in restitution to some of his victims.
The Federal judge said this on Wednesday, 29th September, 2022, at a hearing in Brooklyn, stating that the money will compensate two women, known as Jane and Stephanie, for the costs of therapy and herpes treatment.
The restitution order by the U.S. District Judge is meant to cover the cost of treatment for herpes and psychotherapy. One of the victims, Jane, has accused the jailed Kelly of giving her the sexually transmitted disease during one of their encounters.
Kelly, whose lawyer claims he only has 28,000 dollars in his account, could also pay tens of thousands of dollars more for herpes treatment and counseling for a second victim once the final tally is calculated.
The Grammy-winning, multiplatinum-selling songwriter appeared at the hearing in federal court in Brooklyn via video from a lockup in Chicago on Wednesday, 28th September 2022 and only spoke to exchange greetings with the judge and to turn down an offer to say more. None of the victims were in attendance.
Donnelly sentenced Kelly in June 2022, to 30 years in prison, after a jury convicted him of racketeering and other charges.
Prosecutors said the 55-year-old Kelly exploited his stardom and wealth over more than two decades to lure women and underage girls into his orbit for sex. Kelly was also convicted last month in Chicago on separate charges of child pornography and luring underage girls for sex.
He is awaiting sentencing in that case, and also faces various state charges in Illinois and Minnesota.
Story: Ene Ken-Yawe