A judge has denied bail to Sean “Diddy” Combs after a jury convicted the hip-hop mogul of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Combs’ lawyers argued that he posed no flight risk, noting that his private jet is currently chartered in Hawaii. However, Judge Arun Subramanian cited Combs’ history of violence in his decision to keep the rapper in custody until sentencing, where he faces up to 20 years in prison.
During the nearly two-month federal trial in New York City, prosecutors accused Combs of leveraging his celebrity status and business empire to operate a criminal enterprise for sex trafficking women. After 13 hours of deliberation, the jury acquitted Combs of three of the five most serious charges.
He will remain at the same federal jail in Brooklyn where he has been detained since last September, with sentencing tentatively scheduled for October 3.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, passionately argued for his release, stating that Combs had attended a domestic violence program prior to his arrest and had not exhibited violence since 2018. “I just think we should trust him,” Agnifilo said.
However, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, musician Casandra Ventura, warned the court in a letter that he would pose a danger if released. While Combs acknowledged past domestic violence, he denied any non-consensual sexual encounters or involvement in a larger racketeering scheme.
Judge Subramanian denied bail on the grounds that “the defense conceded violence in his personal relationship.” The courtroom was emotional as jurors announced their acquittal of the most serious charges, which could have resulted in life sentences.
As the verdict was read, Combs was visibly shaken, kneeling and appearing to pray. The jury had previously communicated that they reached a decision on the charges of sex trafficking and transportation but were deadlocked on the racketeering count.
The racketeering charge required prosecutors to prove that Combs directed an illegal enterprise involving crimes such as sex trafficking and drugging. Defense attorneys argued that the case could not be considered racketeering if staff members were not knowingly complicit.
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Prosecutors called over 30 witnesses during the seven-week trial, including Ventura, who testified while eight months pregnant. She alleged that Combs pressured her into sexual acts and threatened to release compromising videos if she disobeyed.
In a letter to the court, Ventura’s attorney expressed concern for the safety of the victims who testified, including herself. A key piece of evidence was a video showing Combs dragging Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016, which security employees testified he attempted to pay them to delete.
While Combs’ attorneys admitted his violent behavior towards women, they argued that it stemmed from drug use and jealousy, rather than indicating a larger sex trafficking scheme. Combs is also facing numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and violence.
The Harlem-born rapper founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, representing major hip-hop artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher. He has since established a clothing line, Sean John, along with various other businesses including fragrances, alcohol, and a media company.
SOURCE: GBCGHANAONLINE
