Nicki Minaj’s Brother Jelani Maraj, 38, has been convicted of raping a minor at his Long Island home. Jurors delivered their verdict today (Nov. 9).
Jelani Maraj, of Baldwin, now faces up to life in prison following his conviction in Nassau County Court on a felony charge of predatory sexual assault on a child. The Mineola jury also convicted him of endangering the welfare of a child.
Maraj showed no emotion when the verdict was read, and State Supreme Court Justice Robert McDonald ordered him held without bail in Nassau County jail in East Meadow. Maraj had been free on bond.
He was handcuffed and taken from the courtroom after the verdict.
According to CBS NY, Maraj’s lawyer says he will appeal. The victim, now 14-years-old (11-years-old at the time of the incident), testified that she was repeatedly assaulted by Maraj. The victim’s younger brother testified as well, claiming he witnessed one assault. Prosecutors say DNA evidence also supports the victim’s allegations.
Earlier today, it was reported that the jury was unable to reach a decision in regards to the verdict. A released juror issued a statement to Page Six saying: “Based on what the judge said for us to do on the evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt, I don’t think there was enough evidence there to convict him.”
Maraj’s lawyers believe the rape allegations were concocted by the victim’s mother in order get Nicki Minaj to pay $25 million in “hush money”.
Prosecutors had alleged Maraj began abusing the girl when she was 11, raping her repeatedly between April and November 2015 while her mother was at work.
Source: NewsDay.com
Source: VladTv.com
Source 3: NBC NY
