Content Warning: This article about R. Kelly discusses sexual abuse and domestic violence. If you or someone you know is affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
An associate of R. Kelly, Michael Williams, has been sentenced to a minimum of 60 months in prison, as he’s been found guilty of setting one of the rapper’s accuser’s car on fire, in an intimidation attempt.
Williams has been sentenced under one count of arson, with the Brooklyn federal court agreeing to drop the charge of witness tampering against him, in exchange for Williams pleading guilty. His sentence also includes a maximum of 71 months under federal sentencing guidelines.
Defense lawyer Todd Spode said, “The plea agreement is fair in that the witness tampering charges as it relates to R. Kelly will be dismissed at sentencing.”
According to Page Six, there are some pretty disturbing details that are brought to light. Google searches found on Williams’ phone included, searching for the Florida address, “How do fertilizer bombs work?”, as well as “witness intimidation” and “case law for tampering with a witness”.
According to witnesses who saw the car alight, there was an explosion and one witness allegedly sa“an individual fleeing from the scene whose arm appeared to be lit on fire.”
Right now R. Kelly is still currently behind bars, awaiting his trial at a Brooklyn federal court on more than ten counts including racketeering, coercion and other crimes involving sexual assault of six women and girls.
Love Hip Hop?
Get the latest Hip Hop news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
And it doesn’t end there, R. Kelly is also on trial at a Chicago court where he has been charged with federal sex crimes charges, including making child pornography and destroying evidence.
For more on this topic, follow the Hip Hop Observer.
