Child Rape Trial for Nicki Minaj’s Brother Delayed

Nicki Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, will have time to set up a defense as his child rape case has been delayed until the summer or early fall. Originally, the trial was set to begin on Tuesday (May 8), but prosecutors asked for a few more months to prepare, according to BOSSIP.

Maraj is being accused of allegedly raping and sodomizing a 12-year-old girl from April through November 30, 2015. Prosecutors had initially offered Maraj a plea agreement of 15 years to life, but the offer was off the table after both sides couldn’t agree on how much time he should serve under the deal.

Since his arrest, prosecutors have purportedly found Maraj's DNA on the victim’s clothes. His lawyer, David Schwartz have denied the allegations and said that the DNA evidence is meaningless.

Meanwhile, Schwartz has filed motions to dismiss the case and suppress certain evidence from the prosecution’s side. He also wants DNA evidence introduced that would favor Maraj's defense. Schwartz also believes the case is a “complete setup" and a "character assassination against Mr. Maraj."

Both attorneys' arguments will most likely be hammered out during the summer before the jury trial begins. Maraj is currently out on bail and has not commented on any of the allegations.