R&B singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex crimes and human trafficking

R&B singer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday, according to federal prosecutors, following his conviction last year on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges stemming from his efforts over years to use his fame to ensnare victims he sexually abused.

Kelly was found guilty on nine charges of racketeering and sex trafficking

Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Kelly, 55, to more than 25 years behind bars, while his defense attorneys asked for 10 or fewer, saying prosecutors’ request was “tantamount to a life sentence.”

“Mr. Kelly is fine,” Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s attorney, said after the sentence was handed down. “We are excited for this appeal we are bringing. … Obviously, it was a hard day.”

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace termed R.Kelly as a predator and he will serve long jail sentence for his crimes.

“This is a significant outcome for all victims of R. Kelly and especially for the survivors who so bravely testified about the horrific and sadistic abuse they endured,” Peace said.

“R. Kelly is a predator, and, as a result of our prosecution, he’ll serve a long jail sentence for his crimes. With the aid of his fame, his money, and, most importantly, inner circle, R. Kelly preyed upon children and young women for his own sexual gratification for decades,” Peace added.