Sean "Diddy" Combs acquitted of sex trafficking, convicted on lesser charges

preCharge News ENTERTAINMENT — Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty Wednesday on two federal charges of transportation to engage in prostitution in a high-stakes trial in New York City. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, a partial victory in a case that has gripped the music industry.

The convictions each carry a maximum of 10 years in prison, though prosecutors estimate Combs could serve four to five years based on federal sentencing guidelines. A 5 p.m. ET hearing was scheduled Wednesday to determine whether Combs would remain in custody until sentencing.

How Diddy Reacted in Court

Mixed emotions as verdict is delivered

As the jury foreperson read the verdicts, Combs experienced a rollercoaster of emotions:

He showed relief when found not guilty of the racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura (aka Cassie).
He appeared startled when guilty was announced for Count 3 — the first prostitution charge.
As further verdicts were read, Combs held hands with his attorney, made prayer gestures, and thanked the jury.
He smiled, nodded, and clasped his hands, appearing to say, “I’m coming home.”
He later knelt on the courtroom floor, praying and rejoicing with his family in emotional scenes.

Defense Fights for Release Before Sentencing

Lawyers propose $1 million bond and travel restrictions

Combs’ attorneys submitted a request for release under strict conditions, including:

A $1 million bond
Restricted travel to Florida, California, New York, and New Jersey
Passport surrender
Drug testing as required by the court

Prosecutors opposed the release, urging Judge Arun Subramanian to keep Combs in custody. Both parties were asked to submit formal arguments.

What Charges Did Sean Combs Face?

Breakdown of the five federal counts and verdicts

Originally charged with three counts, Combs later faced five charges after prosecutors expanded the indictment. The jury’s verdict on each count was:

Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy – NOT GUILTY
Count 2: Sex trafficking (Casandra Ventura) – NOT GUILTY
Count 3: Transporting for prostitution (Ventura) – GUILTY
Count 4: Sex trafficking (“Jane”) – NOT GUILTY
Count 5: Transporting for prostitution (“Jane”) – GUILTY

The Mann Act and What It Means

The basis for Combs’ prostitution convictions

The Mann Act criminalizes transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution or immoral purposes. To convict under the Mann Act, the jury had to find:

The transport was intentional and in interstate or foreign commerce
A “significant or motivating purpose” of the trip was prostitution

Judge Subramanian instructed the jury accordingly, clarifying that it didn’t need to be Combs’ sole purpose.

Prosecutors Say Combs Operated Criminal Enterprise

Graphic accusations and claims of abuse

Prosecutors described Combs’ business empire as a “criminal enterprise” used to:

Cover up abuse and violence
Exploit women sexually
Bribe witnesses and victims

The jury heard from over 30 witnesses in a seven-week trial, though Combs did not testify, and his team called no witnesses.

Cassie’s Testimony: “Freak-Offs” and Alleged Abuse

Graphic testimony revealed disturbing details

Casandra Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend of over a decade, gave harrowing testimony about:

Drug-fueled sex events dubbed “freak-offs”
Physical abuse, including a 2016 assault caught on hotel surveillance
Coerced sexual acts involving third parties

She described living in fear and emotional manipulation. A former hotel security guard claimed Combs offered him a bribe after the hotel beating incident.

“Jane” Testifies on “Hotel Nights”

Another former girlfriend says she felt pressured

A second former girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym “Jane”, shared:

She participated in drug-involved sexual encounters observed by Combs
She often felt pressured and financially dependent
She expressed discomfort with the events, but Combs allegedly persisted

The defense countered with messages from Jane initiating encounters. Jane said she felt she had no choice.

Closing Arguments: Two Stories, One Verdict

Prosecutors paint Combs as abusive ringleader; defense says lifestyle was consensual

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik called Combs:

“The leader of a criminal enterprise… He doesn’t take no for an answer.”

She said Combs used a “small army” of enablers to cover up his abuses.

Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo pushed back:

“He did not do the things he’s charged with… this was a lifestyle choice, not a criminal conspiracy.”

What’s Next for Sean Combs?

Sentencing date and future legal battles

With the racketeering and trafficking charges defeated, Combs avoided the most severe penalties. However, the two guilty verdicts under the Mann Act still carry serious weight.

A sentencing date has not yet been set, but legal experts expect it to occur within the next 60 to 90 days.