BOSSIP Exclusive: Nicki Minaj’s Brother Indicted For Child Rape
Jelani Maraj Accused Of Preying On Tween Girl
A grand jury has indicted Nicki Minaj’s brother on charges that he repeatedly raped a 12-year-old girl.
The grand jury decided that there was enough evidence to charge newlywed Maraj – Nicki Minaj’s oldest brother and her employee – with sexually abusing the tween girl. They’d deliberated for about a month before handing down the decision April 4, according to court records.
Maraj, 37, is facing a top charge of felony predatory sexual assault against a child, along with felony sexual conduct against a child under age 13, sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child.
He could get 15 years to life on the top charge alone.
Maraj appeared Tuesday in the sex crimes division of Nassau County Court for his arraignment, accompanied by his high-powered lawyers Benjamin Brafman and Andrea Zellan. He pled not guilty, and is free on $100,000 cash or bond, according to officials from the office of court administration.
Long Island, N.Y. police arrested Maraj late last year after the 12-year-old alleged victim said he’d been raping her for several months – and the last rape occurred one day before his arrest.
Brafman, Maraj’s lawyer, declined BOSSIP’s request for comment about his client’s indictment.
“We’re not commenting on the Maraj case, ok?” Brafman said.
To learn more, check out this XXL story.
- MORE Viral Tweets, Videos & Reactions To ‘Sean Combs: The Reckoning’ Docuseries
- ‘Tweaker’ Truth: Forlorn Fumbler LiAngelo Ball Says He Regrets Leaving Ms. Nikki Baby For Rashida Nicole–‘I Ain’t Got No Excuse’
- Seen On The Scene: Teyana Taylor, Michael B. Jordan & Damson Idris Sizzle & Shine At Critics’ Choice Celebration Of Black Cinema & TV Gala
