Nicki Minaj’s Brother Will Stand Trial In Child Rape Case

Nicki Minaj’s older brother will stand trial on accusations that he raped a young girl. According to Bossip, Jelani Maraj rejected a plea deal of 15 years to life, and maintains his innocence.

“He is choosing to go to trial because he is not guilty of these allegations and has faith in our system of justice,” Maraj’s lawyer David Schwartz told the website via email.

Going to trial could mean that Maraj’s alleged 12-year-old victim will have to face him in court. Maraj stands accused of sexually assaulting and sodomizing the child over an eight-month period in 2015. Prosecutors also claim that Maraj’s semen was found on the girl’s clothing.

On the contrary, Maraj’s attorney filed documents last summer claiming that the child, who is said to be his stepdaughter, had sex with another adult male, and attempted sexual contact with a 17-year-old boy.

Authorities in Nassau Country arrested Maraj in December of 2015. He was later bailed out by Minaj, who also paid for his wedding and is reportedly covering his legal defense.

Maraj was indicted last year on felony predatory sexual assault against a child, felony sexual conduct against a child under age 13, sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

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