Several suspects inKim Kardashian'sFrench robbery trial have been found guilty. The 69-year-old ringleader Aomar Ait Khedache and several others were found guilty May 23. The mixed panel of judges and jury convicted eight of the 10 defendants for crimes directly linked to the theft, while another defendant was found guilty of illegal weapons charges. One person was acquitted. The heaviest sentences were handed down to five defendants who participated directly in the heist, with the mastermind of the robbery Khedache getting a three-year jail sentence. In a statement to USA TODAY on May 23, Kardashian expressed her gratitude about her case. "I am deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case. The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," Kardashian said in a statement. "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system." Kim Kardashian cries testifying about2016 robbery, tells robber she forgives him The suspects were accused of tying up Kardashian with zip ties and duct tape before making off with jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring given to her by her then-husband rapper Ye, formerly known asKanye West, according to investigators. Earlier this month, the"Kardashians" on Hulustar testified in Paris court that she thought she would be raped and killedduring the 2016 heistwhere she was robbed at gunpoint in her hotel room by a group who stole jewels worth millions. Kim Kardashian graduates law school,following in footsteps of lawyer dad Robert Kardashian "I absolutely thought I was going to die," she told the court, shedding tears at times during her testimony. "I thought about my sister, thought she would walk in and see me shot dead and have that memory in her forever." Kardashian's older sister and co-star Kourtney Kardashian was in Paris during the 2016 trip. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Kim Kardashian trial verdict: Paris jewelry heist robbers found guilty
