One of the men linked to the 'I Can Believe I Can Fly' hitmaker has been handed eight years behind bars after pleading guilty to setting fire outside the house that belongs to the star's sexual abuse accuser.
- November 18, 2021
AceShowbiz - One of singer R. Kelly's associates has been sentenced to serve 96 months in prison on witness intimidation charges.
Michael Williams pleaded guilty to an arson charge, admitting he set fire to a vehicle parked outside the Florida home of one of Kelly's sexual abuse accusers in June, 2020.
Prosecutors claimed the witness, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, was inside the home at the time of the incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez read a statement from the victim during the sentencing hearing on Wednesday (17Nov21). She called the arson attack "vicious" and "disturbing," adding, "My mental state deteriorated tremendously due to fear, invasion of privacy, and trauma among many other things."
"Because of your actions, I live in fear and have had to relocate my entire life. In that home were not only adults but animals and children under the age of 10. My family is traumatized and has been in distress due to this unlawful act. I hope this life-changing event gives you time to reflect on your actions."
Williams, a relative of Kelly's former publicist, is one of three men accused of harassing, intimidating, and/or threatening Kelly’s accusers.
The singer is facing between 10 years to life in prison after he was found guilty of eight counts of sex trafficking and one of racketeering back in September (21). His sentencing is expected to take place in May, 2022.
The star is facing bankruptcy amid his legal woes.
