R. Kelly, the Grammy-winning singer who has been convicted of sexually abusing women and minors over several decades, will not face charges in Cook County, Illinois.

Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx stated that Kelly’s “extensive sentences” at the federal level in New York meant that justice has already been served, and that she could not justify the time and resources required to go to trial.

The news comes after Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison in New York last year for racketeering and sex trafficking charges. With the New York sentence alone, Kelly will not be eligible for release until he is in his 80s.

Foxx emphasized that sometimes justice is served even without a conviction. She said that although the Cook County charges will be dropped, the decision does not diminish the severity of Kelly’s crimes or the impact they have had on his victims.

The case against Kelly has been ongoing for decades, and his convictions at the federal level have been seen as a victory for the survivors and advocates who have fought for justice for so long. However, it is important to remember that Kelly’s sentence does not undo the harm he has caused, and that the fight for justice and healing for his victims continues.

This decision serves as a reminder that the fight against sexual abuse and exploitation is ongoing and requires ongoing efforts from law enforcement, advocacy groups, and the public. While Kelly’s Cook County charges may be dropped, the message remains clear: those who engage in sexual abuse and exploitation will face the full force of the law.