Sean “Diddy” Combs has avoided the most serious charges in his federal sex trafficking case, with a jury finding him not guilty on counts that could have led to life imprisonment.
Diddy escapes the most serious charges in federal sex trafficking case
The 55-year-old music mogul was, however, convicted on two lesser charges involving transporting individuals for prostitution, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The verdict followed a high-profile trial involving disturbing allegations.
Combs was charged with five counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force. These charges were tied to incidents involving alleged victims Cassie Ventura and another woman referred to in court as “Jane.”
He was cleared of racketeering and both sex trafficking counts. The jury found him guilty only on two counts of transporting people for prostitution purposes.
Combs’ defence attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued in court that the acquittals on the most serious charges should be grounds for his immediate release from custody.
Agnifilo stated:
“Mr Combs has been given his life by this jury,” adding that his client would follow all conditions the court may impose if released.
Does this open the possibility of Diddy’s release?
Agnifilo proposed that Combs return to his Miami home, promising that multiple family members could co-sign a bond and that Combs no longer has access to a private jet, which reduces flight risk.
But the prosecution has pushed back. Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey argued that Combs continues to pose a risk, citing evidence presented during the trial of “extensive abuse and prolific drug use.”
Comey told the court that Combs “continued to commit a litany of crimes” even after learning he was under federal investigation, and said the government will pursue a sentence that includes jail time.
Judge Arun Subramanian has not yet ruled on whether Combs will be released while awaiting sentencing.
He requested written submissions from both legal teams and will decide after reviewing their arguments.
Combs reacted emotionally to the verdict. In court, he knelt, bowed his head, then clapped and turned to thank his family, prompting applause from the gallery.
His legal team embraced and celebrated the outcome.
Meanwhile, Cassie’s attorney, Doug Wigdor, noted that the case originated from her civil complaint. Though the jury did not convict Combs of sex trafficking Ventura, Wigdor said her bravery “paved the way” for the partial guilty verdict and helped expose long-hidden misconduct in the entertainment industry.
Combs now awaits the judge’s ruling on his potential release and the eventual sentencing decision, which could see him face up to 20 years in prison for the two convictions.
