Nicki Minaj's brother sentenced to 25 years to life

The brother of rapper Nicki Minaj was sentenced Monday to 25 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl at his Long Island home. Prosecutors have said DNA evidence recovered from the girl’s pyjama pants was linked to Maraj. The girl’s younger brother also testified at the trial that he witnessed one assault.

Maraj's attorney appealed the conviction in 2018, claiming that there was jury misconduct. The judge ruled in October that the defense did not meet the necessary burden of proof.

Maraj said in court Monday that he had an alcohol problem and asked for a “second chance." One of his attorneys said he suffered from health issues including hypertension, gout and anaemia and requested the minimum sentence of 10 years to life. Maraj's appellate attorney, Stephen Scaring, said he plans to appeal the judge's decision.