Nicki Minaj's Brother Gets 25 To Life For Sex Abuse

BALDWIN, NY — Jelani Maraj, the brother of world-famous rapper Nicki Minaj, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison today for the sexual abuse of a young girl.

Maraj, 40, was convicted in 2017 of repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl.

Outside the courthouse, his lawyer David Schwartz said he planned to appeal the ruling, citing "juror misconduct." Schwartz said that jurors read about the case before it went to trial and it influenced their opinions.

During the trial, the girl, testified about the sexual assault, which she said happened as often as four times a week, and sometimes twice a day. Her younger brother also testified that he had witnessed one assault.

DNA evidence on the girl's pajamas was also linked to Maraj.