By Michael R. Sisak
Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of two prostitution-related offenses but acquitted July 2 of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.
The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality television star.
What to know about the case:
- The charges: Combs pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Seven weeks into the trial, prosecutors dropped theories of attempted arson and kidnapping to streamline their racketeering conspiracy count.
- The arguments: Prosecutors called 34 witnesses since the trial’s start in early May, including two ex-girlfriends of Combs who testified they felt coerced into marathon sex events with male sex workers that were called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Jurors were shown about 20 minutes of video recordings from the dayslong events. Defense lawyers, though, say they were consensual sexual encounters consistent with the swingers lifestyle.
- The star witness: R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine recounted a turbulent 10-year relationship with Combs that she said was consumed by violence and his obsession with a form of voyeurism. Combs chose not to testify.
Cassie’s lawyer says she ‘paved the way’
A lawyer for Cassie, who testified that Combs beat and raped her, lauded her courage despite the verdict.
“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,” Douglas H. Wigdor said in a written statement.
“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
How long did the jury deliberate?
Overall, the jury deliberated for about 13 and a half hours over the course of three days.
It’s been almost two months since jury selection began on May 5.
The verdict came as the jury faced the prospect of coming into court July 3, while the courthouse is otherwise closed, or waiting until after the long Independence Day weekend to resume deliberating if they didn’t have a decision on July 2.
Here’s how the jury decided on all charges: Count one, racketeering conspiracy- not guilty; Count two, sex trafficking of Casandra Ventura- not guilty; Count three, transportation to engage in prostitution of Casandra Ventura- guilty; Count four, sex trafficking of the woman known as “Jane”- Not guilty; Count five, transportation to engage in prostitution for the woman known as “Jane” – guilty.
What Combs said to his family as he left the courtroom
As Combs turned toward his family as he left the courtroom, he smiled as they applauded and said: “I’ll be home soon.”
He added: “I love you, baby” and, “I love you, Mom.”
Combs will remain in custody as the judge considers the defense’s argument that the hip-hop mogul should be granted bail and released until his sentencing.The judge says he needs time to decide whether to grant Combs bail. He asks the prosecution and defense to each prepare a letter arguing their position on whether Combs should be granted bail.
Prosecutors say they will seek to have Combs incarcerated
The charges Combs was convicted of carry a maximum of 10 years behind bars, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey notes.
“Mr. Agnifilo (Combs’ lawyer) tried to downplay the significance” of the charges Combs was convicted of, “but the record says otherwise,” the prosecutor says.
She says the court has heard testimony of years of illegal conduct, transporting sex workers, drug use and attempting to intimidate witnesses.
Comey argues there’s a “real risk that he will flagrantly disregard orders from this court, that he will commit new crimes and that he will attempt to flee justice.”
This article was originally published by The Associated Press.