Nicki Minaj's Brother Was Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison — but What Did He Do?
By Shannon RaphaelJan. 27 2020, Updated 5:52 p.m. ET
More than two years after his trial, Jelani Maraj, the older brother of rapper Nicki Minaj, has been given a prison sentence. The Long Island resident used to be first accused of predatory sexual assault and endangering a child in 2015.
The case made headlines for the despicable habits in question, and because the rapper herself was anticipated to testify on behalf of her brother.
What did Nicki Minaj's brother do? Inside Maraj's arrest, the crime he was once accused of, and the newest updates on his sentencing. Plus, read on to find out why Nicki Minaj was once no longer present at her brother's trial.
What did Nicki Minaj's brother do?
In December of 2015, Maraj used to be arrested for first degree rape for assaulting his then-11-year-old stepdaughter. He had wed the younger lady's mother the yr earlier than, and Minaj reportedly paid $30,000 for the marriage corridor.
According to the lady's testimony (her identity hasn't ever been revealed to the general public), Maraj started abusing her in April of 2015. She claimed that he would blame the attacks on her, saying that she had been giving him "signals."
She additionally said that he threatened to have her taken clear of her mom if she informed on him.
Sadly, the woman's more youthful brother once walked in on one of these assaults. Afterwards, the boy advised a faculty authentic, which jump-started the investigation. DNA evidence additionally corroborated the younger lady's testimony.
Maraj's trial began in October of 2017. After 3 weeks of testimony, the jury reached a verdict. After his 2017 trial, Jelani was once discovered responsible of predatory sexual attack in opposition to a child and of endangering the welfare of a child. He faced a sentence of any place from 25 years to existence in prison.
Though Maraj was first of all intended to be sentenced on Dec. 14, 2019, his legal professionals appealed the costs in opposition to him.
Micaiah Maraj, Carol Maraj and Jelani Maraj in 2015
His workforce argued that the allegations had been a part of a larger scheme to extort $25 million from Maraj's sister. The argument did not dangle up, and he received the utmost sentence on Jan. 27.
In court docket, Maraj spoke about how his movements had been brought about via alcohol.
"I'd like to apologize for the pain that I caused. I had an excessive drinking problem," he reportedly said.
Maraj's lawyer is planning to attraction.
Nicki Minaj was once supposed to testify at her brother's trial.
When Maraj was at the beginning going to trial again in 2017, it was reported that his well-known sister would no longer best be in attendance, but that she would be speaking on behalf of her brother's personality. Maraj's defense workforce claimed that Minaj would take the stand to discuss how her brother had excellent persona. Though Minaj did accompany her and Maraj's mother, Carol Maraj, to discuss with him in jail, she did no longer testify or discuss publicly in regards to the case.
Minaj has not commented on her brother's prison sentence, either.
If you wish to have beef up, The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673. You shall be connected with a trained group of workers member in your area. Or consult with RAINN.org to chat on-line with a give a boost to specialist at any time.
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