Jelani Maraj wants his child-rape conviction tossed.
Lawyer’s for Maraj, brother of rapper Nicki Minaj, filed a petition to have his conviction tossed, putting sentencing for the Long Island man on hold.
Page Six reports that Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Robert McDonald has yet to rule on the motion. Maraj’s lawyer, David Schwartz, claims that the allegations against his client are completely made up and part of a $25 million extortion scheme.
Maraj was found guilty of predatory sexual assault against a child and endangering the welfare of a child after being convicted of raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter, now 13.
Jurors heard testimony from the victim’s 10-year-old brother, who was 8 at the time of the rape, describing finding his sister in the basement of their home with Maraj. The victim’s brother says Maraj threatened him into silence by telling him he wouldn’t see his mother again.
The victim’s testimony also revealed that Maraj had instructed her on how to make anal sex less painful and would blame her for the attacks.
Maraj faces life in prison.