Jelani Maraj, Nicki Minaj's Brother, Has Been Indicted on Child Rape Charges

Impact

On Tuesday, Jelani Maraj, rapper Nicki Minaj's 37-year-old brother, was reportedly indicted and arraigned at Nassau County Court in New York on felony predatory sexual assault against a child, felony sexual conduct against a child under the age of 13, sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child. According to celebrity news site Bossip, the first charge alone could result in a sentence that would get Maraj 15 years to life in prison. 

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Maraj was first brought up on charges in December, when rumors spread that the rape victim was a 12-year-old girl. At the time, Maraj was released from holding after posting $100,000 bail.

An unnamed source "close to the case" would only tell the New York Daily News that the "victim was someone he had access to." And following Tuesday's indictment, Maraj's lawyer Benjamin Brafman declined Bossip's request for comment.

Uncredited/AP