Long Island, NY – Nicki Minaj’s older brother Jelani Maraj has reportedly been sentenced in his sexual assault case.
According to TMZ, Judge Robert McDonald sentenced Maraj to 25 years to life in a New York court on Monday morning (January 27) after he was found guilty of predatory sexual assault against a child and endangering the welfare of a child in 2017.
Maraj was convicted of raping his 11-year-old former stepdaughter. During the trial, the victim took the stand and testified Maraj would occasionally assault her up to four times a day. The victim’s younger brother also testified he caught Maraj in the act and saw his sister’s underpants around her ankles.
Nicki didn’t testify nor did she attend the trial. Her brother also didn’t take the stand in his defense.
[This article has been updated. The following was published on November 9, 2017.]
After a nearly three-week trial in a Long Island courtroom and two days of deliberation, Nicki Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, has been found guilty of predatory sexual assault against a child and endangering the welfare of a child, according to multiple outlets.
The 38-year-old New York native faces up to life in prison for raping his 11-year-old former stepdaughter. His sentencing is expected on December 14.
The victim took the stand last week and testified that Maraj would sometimes assault her up to four times a day. The victim’s younger brother also testified that he caught Maraj in the act and saw his sister’s underpants around her ankles.
Minaj didn’t testify nor did she attend the trial. Her brother also didn’t take the stand in his defense.
Maraj’s defense attorney, David Schwartz, said the accusations were part of an elaborate attempt to extort money from Maraj’s famous sister.
An alternate juror who was released from the case believed there was “not enough” evidence to convict Maraj.
Nassau County D.A. Madeline Singas told TMZ, “We hope that today’s verdict will help the family in the healing process.”