Gladness Gideon
A federal jury has returned a split verdict in the high-profile trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, acquitting him on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, but convicting him on two counts related to the transportation of individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
The decision, delivered after 14 hours of deliberation, clears Combs of the most serious charge brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which could have carried a life sentence. However, the 55-year-old now faces a potential prison term of up to 20 years after being found guilty on two violations of the federal Mann Act.
The convictions pertain to Combs’ former partner, Cassie Ventura, and a second woman identified only as “Jane.” Prosecutors alleged that Combs arranged for both women to travel across state lines to engage in commercial sex acts. Despite being acquitted on three of the five charges—racketeering, sex trafficking of Ventura, and sex trafficking of Jane—the jury found sufficient evidence to convict him on transportation-related offenses.
The trial, which lasted nearly two months, featured emotional testimony from 34 witnesses and detailed allegations of coercion, abuse, and manipulation. Central to the prosecution’s case were claims involving so-called “freak-offs” and other exploitative acts, described in graphic detail during the proceedings.
Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest. Following the verdict, the court requested arguments from both defense and prosecution regarding whether he should remain in custody pending sentencing.
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Legal experts say while the acquittal on RICO charges significantly reduces Combs’ sentencing exposure, the Mann Act violations still carry substantial penalties, including the possibility of 10 years imprisonment per count.
The verdict also comes as Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, which could further complicate his legal battles despite the partial victory in federal court.
A sentencing date has not yet been announced.