Nicki Minaj’s brother is facing at least 25 years in jail after raping an 11-year-old girl.
Jelani Maraj was convicted in 2017 for of predatory sexual assault and child endangerment but was only handed a sentence of 25 years to life on Monday after a lengthy appeal claim.
The victim gave evidence during the trial that Maraj repeatedly raped her in 2015 in Long Island while her mother was at work.
Prosecutors have said DNA evidence recovered from the girl’s pyjamas was linked to Maraj.
The girl’s younger brother also gave evidence at the trial that he witnessed one assault.
Maraj’s lawyer appealed against the conviction in 2018, claiming there was jury misconduct.
The judge ruled in October that the defence did not meet the necessary burden of proof.
Maraj apologised in court on Monday “for the pain that I caused. I had an excessive drinking problem.”
One of his lawyers said he suffered from health issues including hypertension, gout and anaemia and requested a minimum sentence of 10 years to life.
Maraj’s appellate attorney, Stephen Scaring, said he plans to appeal against the judge’s sentence, labelling it “excessive”.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
