Written By |
Diddy has been found not guilty of Sex trafficking Cassie Ventura
Search
Rap mogul acquitted of most serious charges and avoids life sentence
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of prostitution-related offences but cleared of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, after a criminal trial that lasted seven weeks.
The acquittals on sex trafficking charges on Wednesday mean he will avoid a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. The former billionaire — known for his major role in elevating hip-hop in American culture — could have faced life in prison if convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.
On Tuesday, the New York federal jury returned a partial verdict on four of the five charges against the music mogul but said it was undecided on the fifth. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to continue deliberating on the remaining charge. Combs, 55, pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
What Was Combs Found Guilty Of?
Here are the charges Combs faced and the verdicts for each:
What Is a Partial Verdict and Why Did It Delay the Overall Verdict?
In the US criminal justice system, a partial verdict occurs when a jury reaches a unanimous decision on some but not all charges against a defendant. This typically happens in cases involving multiple counts, where the jury agrees on some charges but remains deadlocked on others. Partial verdicts ensure that the judicial process is not stalled indefinitely due to a lack of consensus on every count. Combs’s partial verdict came after a seven-week trial in which two of the music mogul’s former girlfriends testified that he physically and sexually abused them. His lawyers acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder, once famed for his lavish parties, was at times violent in his domestic relationships. However, they argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
The 12-member jury began deliberations on Monday following closing arguments last week.
Which Charge Was the Jury Initially Undecided About?
By Tuesday, the jury had been unable to reach a verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge because of “unpersuadable opinions on both sides,” it said.
Racketeering carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Judge Subramanian instructed the jury to continue deliberating on the racketeering conspiracy count on Wednesday.
What Were the Other Charges Against Combs?
The jury had already reached verdicts on the other four charges: two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.
A conviction for sex trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life. Transporting individuals to engage in prostitution — which includes arranging to fly sex workers across state lines — carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Earlier on Tuesday, the jury asked to review parts of the testimony of rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who testified that Combs forced her to take part in “freak-offs” — his term for drug-fueled sex marathons — throughout their decade-long relationship.
The jury specifically asked to revisit testimony about a 2016 incident at an InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles, when surveillance footage captured Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in a hallway.
Prosecutors argued that at the time of the incident, Ventura was trying to leave a “freak-off” in which Combs would watch her have sex with paid male escorts while he masturbated — sometimes filming the encounters.
They said this amounted to sex trafficking because Combs allegedly used threats, financial leverage, and the threat of releasing sex tapes to coerce Ventura’s participation. They also argued the escorts were paid.
Another former girlfriend, referred to as “Jane,” testified under a pseudonym to protect her identity, saying Combs forced her into drug-fueled sex sessions with male sex workers.
What Is Racketeering?
Racketeering, the charge on which the jury was initially deadlocked, involves committing at least two related crimes within 10 years as part of a larger criminal enterprise. The law is designed to target not just isolated crimes but the broader structures behind them — such as gangs or corrupt businesses. Prosecutors alleged that for more than two decades, Combs led a criminal enterprise abetted by associates and employees to cover up various crimes, including sex trafficking, forced labour, drug distribution, bribery, and obstruction of justice. To convict on the racketeering charge, prosecutors needed to prove that Combs established a criminal enterprise or coordinated plan involving at least one other person.
How Did Combs React to the Verdict?
After the judge dismissed the jury and lawyers, Combs kneeled and appeared to pray. He then rose and addressed the courtroom gallery, saying: “I’m gonna be home soon. I love you. Thank you. I love you.”
His family and supporters erupted into applause and cheers. Combs chose not to testify during the trial.
What happens next?
After the jury read the verdict, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked the court to release Combs on bail. “This is his first conviction, and it’s a prostitution offence, so he should be released on appropriate conditions,” Agnifilo argued.
Judge Subramanian instructed both sides to submit arguments about whether Combs should be released by 1pm (17:00 GMT).
Combs now faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the two prostitution counts. His sentence will be determined by Judge Subramanian at a later date.
Source: Aljazeera
READ MORE HERE:
