A Nassau County, New York judge denied Trinidad-born rap star Nicki Minaj’s older brother’s attempt to dismiss his rape conviction on the grounds of jury misconduct. 

Jelani Maraj, 40, was convicted two years ago of molesting his then 11-year-old step-daughter multiple times. 

His attorneys and mother Carol Maraj argued on Tuesday that the jury reached their verdict after reading reports about the case on social media and entertainment blogs. 

But, State Supreme Court Justice Robert McDonald said Jelani failed to meet the burden of proof and he noted “not every misstep by a juror rises to the inherent and prejudicial level at which reversal is required.” 

Jelani is now facing up to life in prison following his convictions on charges of predatory sexual assault on a child and child endangerment.  

He’s scheduled for sentencing on November 18th.