Jurors in American rapper, Sean “Diddy” Combs’, federal criminal trial acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking — the most serious charges — however, found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs, ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ singer, could bag a prison sentence of up to twenty (20) years — the maximum is ten (10) for each of the transportation counts. If he had been convicted of any of the other counts, the 55-year-old Music Executive could have faced up to life in prison.
The defense has asked that Diddy be freed while he awaits sentencing — a request opposed by the prosecution. The judge said he’ll make a decision after the sides submit letters at 1 p.m. ET. (18:00 WAT).
Following the verdict, the ‘I Need A Girl’ singer faced the courtroom gallery and clapped, and his family and friends bursted into applause.
After Marc Agnifilo, defense attorney, argued in favor of freeing Diddy before his sentencing, the judge asked, “Mr. Combs does not want to go back to the MDC?” — a reference to New York City’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Combs energetically nodded his head ‘no,’ and made prayer hands.
Cassie Ventura
Former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, “paved the way” for a jury to find Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty on some of the counts against him, her lawyer Doug Wigdor revealed in a statement.
Via a statement, Wigdor said: “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.”
Wigdor added: “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
