Nicki Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj | Image: Splash News/TMZ
Jelani Maraj, the brother of rapper Nicki Minaj was on Monday sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl at his Long Island home.
New York judge Robert McDonald convicted Maraj of predatory sexual assault and child endangerment in November 2017. The victim testified during the trial that Maraj repeatedly raped her in 2015 while her mother was at work.
“We hope that today’s verdict will help the family in the healing process,” the Nassau County District Attorney told TMZ.
Prosecutors said the DNA evidence recovered from the girl’s pyjama pants was linked to Maraj. The girl’s younger brother also testified at the trial that he witnessed one assault.
Maraj’s attorney appealed the conviction in 2018, claiming that there was jury misconduct. The judge ruled in October that the defence did not meet the necessary burden of proof.
Maraj said in court Monday that he had an alcohol problem and asked for a “second chance.” One of his attorneys said he suffered from health issues including hypertension, gout and anaemia and requested the minimum sentence of 10 years to life.
Maraj’s appellate attorney, Stephen Scaring, said he plans to appeal the judge’s decision.
Back in 2017, Nicki Minaj visited her brother while he was locked up. The “Megatron” rapper referenced on Jelani Maraj on her emotional Pinkprint opener “All Things Go”.
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