Jelani Maraj, Brother Of Nicki Minaj, Convicted Of Child Rape

Jelani Maraj, the brother of Nicki Minaj, has been found guilty of predatory sexual assault.

JELANI MARAJ FOUND GUILTY OF CHILD RAPE

Maraj, 38, has been on trial for raping the then-11-year-old daughter of his estranged wife Jacqueline Robinson. The girl, now 14, and her younger brother both testified against Maraj in the trial. Neither Maraj nor Minaj took to the stand.

Maraj was tried in Nassau County, New York, and jurors convicted him of endangering the welfare of a child and of predatory sexual assault on a child younger than 13. Maraj now faced 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced in December.

The trial lasted over a month, as the defense argued that Robinson was attempting to extort $25 million from Maraj’s famous musician sister. Ultimately, the accounts from the child, her brother, and her physician, were enough to sway the jury that Maraj was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Justice demanded that this defendant be held accountable for these heinous acts and we are thankful to the jury for their careful deliberation,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas in a statement. “We hope that today’s verdict will help the family in the healing process and that it will close this terrible chapter in their lives.”

Minaj has remained silent on the charges against her brother, and did has not publicly commented on the issue. She did, however, post a family photo after Maraj was arrested. And months before his arrest, she posted a photo from his wedding and said, “Jelani, I love u more than you’ll ever comprehend.”