Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted Wednesday of transporting two ladies throughout state traces for intercourse however acquitted of operating a felony enterprise and two counts of intercourse trafficking.
The cut up verdict capped a weeks-long federal trial that uncovered the hip-hop mogul’s personal life to public scrutiny and left him dealing with jail time for felony convictions.
Jurors in U.S. District Courtroom in Manhattan returned the next choices after a number of days of deliberation:
Depend 1: Not responsible of racketeering conspiracy.
Depend 2: Not responsible of intercourse trafficking of former girlfriend Casandra Ventura.
Depend 3: Responsible of Mann Act transportation of Ventura.
Depend 4: Not responsible of intercourse trafficking of one other former girlfriend, recognized as “Jane.”
Depend 5: Responsible of Mann Act transportation of “Jane.”
Combs, who had spent many years cultivating a model outlined by luxurious and affect, sat impassively because the foreperson learn the verdicts in a quiet courtroom. His mom, a number of of his kids, and different relations had been current to listen to the result.
The protection secured three acquittals, together with probably the most severe cost of racketeering conspiracy, which carried the potential of life in jail. Jurors additionally declined to convict Combs of intercourse trafficking both lady.
Prosecutors alleged that Combs used his companies and workers to rearrange motels, flights, and medicines for what witnesses described as “freak-off” encounters. They argued that his employees helped preserve management over the ladies by means of manipulation and intimidation.
Protection attorneys countered that whereas Combs’ private relationships had been unconventional, they had been consensual, and that the federal government had overreached by making an attempt to painting them as a part of an organized felony enterprise.
The 2 responsible verdicts on Mann Act violations are severe felony convictions, every punishable by as much as 10 years in jail. Sentencing has not but been scheduled.
As Combs stood to depart, he turned to his household, blew a kiss, and mentioned quietly, “I really like you all.”
Considered one of his attorneys advised reporters exterior courtroom, “Mr. Combs appreciates that the jury appeared carefully on the proof. Whereas we’re dissatisfied within the convictions, we’re grateful for the acquittals and can proceed to struggle at sentencing.”
