Sean “Diddy” Combs has been acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving his former partner, Casandra Ventura, and another woman identified as “Jane.”
However, he was found guilty of transporting the two women for prostitution purposes.
As the verdict was announced, Combs maintained a stoic demeanour, having previously been seen praying with his children.
The trial featured testimonies from 34 witnesses over nearly two months, including ex-girlfriends, former employees, male escorts, and federal agents.
The court is currently in recess while the judge considers arguments from both the defense and prosecution regarding Combs’ bail status.
The defense is advocating for his release on a $1 million bond, while the prosecution argues he should remain in custody until sentencing.
The judge has requested written statements from both sides to support their positions.
Although Combs has been convicted on two counts, the specifics of his potential prison sentence will be determined in a separate hearing at a later date.
Prosecutors have not yet decided if Combs will stay in jail until sentencing, as they believe he should, while his defense team is pushing for his immediate release on bail.
The judge will ultimately decide the length of his sentence, with each of the charges carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Related Articles:
- Jurors reach a deadlock on racketeering charge in Diddy’s trial
- Sean ‘Diddy’ combs faces possible life sentence as sex trafficking trial nears verdict
- Prosecutors withdraw kidnapping, arson, sex trafficking charges against Diddy
Prosecutor Maurene Comey has indicated she will seek the maximum 20-year sentence, asserting that Combs poses a danger.
The jury found him guilty of two counts of transporting the women for prostitution, meaning they concluded he facilitated their involvement in sexual acts and prostitution.
Both women, who had previously dated Combs, testified about sexual encounters they referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights,” during which they would hire male escorts to engage with the female partner while Combs observed, sometimes recording or directing the activities.
The judge is currently hearing arguments from the legal teams, with Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requesting his client’s release from federal custody. Diddy has been incarcerated since his arrest in September of last year.
This outcome is likely to be viewed as a win for Sean Combs and his legal team, as the charges of transportation for prostitution carry lighter penalties compared to the more serious charges he faced.
Central to the prosecution’s case was the claim that Combs coerced his former partners into these situations.
