The “I Believe I Can Fly” singer, R.Kelly has reportedly hired Bill Cosby’s high-profile Attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, a New York-based lawyer to help appeal his sex trafficking convictions.
According to Chicago Tribune, Jennifer 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 (Nov. 1). However, she has requested a two-month extension.
Recall Bonjean spearheaded Cosby’s appeal of his sex crimes conviction in Pennsylvania and helped get the actor released from prison.
“I am becoming increasingly concerned with how the government is abusing the RICO statute in order to plead around the statute of limitations and essentially put people’s entire lives on trial,” Bonjean said. “It’s becoming a formula for the government. You have a right to defend yourself against specific allegations.”
Kelly’s sentencing is set for May 4, 2022, where he potentially faces 10 years to life in prison.
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 last month. 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.”
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