Crime
Something is wrong with a little ‘Bump & Grind’ with minors, US court throws the book at R&B singer, R. Kelly
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#USA, June 30, 2022 – Convicted sexual predator Robert Kelly, better known as R. Kelly will spend the rest of his life in federal prison. He was sentenced to 30 years to life on Wednesday.
R. Kelly appeared before a federal judge in Brooklyn for Racketeering and Multiple Predicate Acts, Including Illegal Sex with Minors, Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Bribery, Coercion and Forced Labor racketeering.
The verdict was read by Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for New York east. Prosecutors say Kelly deserves to be sentenced in excess of 25 years because of the nature of his crimes. Kelly has been found guilty on all 9 counts. 45 witnesses testified against him. Kelly was found to be the head of a racketeering ring that involved his former security guards procuring children for him to have sexual relations with.
“Today’s guilty verdict forever brands R. Kelly as a predator, who used his fame and fortune to prey on the young, the
vulnerable, and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification,” said Kasulis.
Kelly was convicted of bribery involving a public official regarding deceased singer Aaliyah who he illegally married when she was 15 years old and he was 27. The marriage was quickly annulled by her family and Aaliyah’s mother told documentary journalist Jim DeRogatis her daughter said she never wanted to see Kelly again.
After the two parted ways Kelly abused dozens more girls according to the prosecution.
“Mr. Kelly ran a criminal enterprise whose mission was to serve his sexual gratification by setting up a complex organization of enablers and handlers. When his victims tried to escape, Mr. Kelly and his accomplices silenced them through bribery, intimidation, and physical violence,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The prosecution explained that young women were identified at concerts by Kelly who directed members of the Enterprise to escort them backstage following his musical performances. They then exchanged contact information with girls and women so that he and other members of the Enterprise could arrange travel and lodging for them to visit Kelly after.
The 54 year old will face a minimum of ten years in prison as the prosecution seeks the maximum sentence. Kelly’s lawyers say they are seeking a lower term considering his traumatic childhood where he was assaulted by a female family member as a child.
Charges against Kelly came in 2021 two years after the documentary “Surviving R. Kelly’ premiered in 2019.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Media Release
July 15th, 2024.
SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.
Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offences against Missick are:
- One Count – Discharging Firearm
- One Count- Discharging Ammunition
- One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
- Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
- One Count –Possession of Firearm
- One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
- One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.
Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.
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