Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of most serious charges, rapper still faces 20 years in prison

A Manhattan jury on Wednesday acquitted hip-hop star Sean "Diddy" Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, of federal charges of conspiracy to commit extortion and human trafficking, but found him guilty of two lesser felonies after a seven-week trial: transportation to facilitate prostitution.

The verdict was announced on the third day of jury deliberations. Combs, 55, originally faced a possible life sentence. The final charges of transportation for prostitution could result in up to 10 years in prison for each count. Prosecutors have said they will seek a maximum sentence of 20 years combined.

As NBC News detailed, the defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was acquitted of conspiracy to commit extortion and two counts of human trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. After the verdict was announced, Combs thanked the jury.

Lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo has asked for Combs to be released from federal custody, where he has been for nearly a year, on $1 million bail and to return to his home in Miami. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will decide the case.

The trial followed accusations by his former partner, R&B singer Cassie, that began a downward spiral for Combs. The trial alleged that he had used his position, wealth and influence as head of a “criminal enterprise” to sexually abuse women for more than two decades. The defense argued that the allegations were “vastly exaggerated.”

More than 30 witnesses called by the prosecution testified during the trial, including former assistants, stylists and artists who worked with the label. Three women, including Casandra Ventura (known as Cassie), spoke of alleged sexual assaults, violence and blackmail.

Combs’ attorneys did not call any witnesses, and the defendant himself did not testify. The key evidence was surveillance footage from a Los Angeles hotel from 2016, showing Ventura being physically assaulted. Other women also claimed that Combs manipulated them and threatened to release the graphic footage.

Even a single count of tampering, prosecutors say, is evidence of guilt. The defense has acknowledged that the tape corroborated an incident of domestic violence, but has denied that Combs directed an organized crime ring. It has argued that he ran a legitimate business and was the victim of an unfair media attack.

Combs has been held without bail since his arrest last fall. He will still face multiple civil lawsuits alleging rape and sexual assault, which he has steadfastly denied. His defense attorneys say the plaintiffs are seeking “quick payouts.”

From New York Andrzej Dobrowolski (PAP)

ad/ mal/