Diddy Found Not Guilty of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering, Guilty of Lesser Charges

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has reached a verdict. He was found not guilty on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, but convicted on two counts of transporting people for prostitution. This offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, meaning Combs could face up to 20 years in prison.

Arrest and charges:

• Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024.

• He was later charged with two counts of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty on all charges.

• The prosecution claimed these charges surrounded Combs forcing romantic partners to take drugs and engage in sexual performances with male sex workers while Combs was present.

• On July 2, Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, but found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. He transported women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.

• This marks the conclusion of an eight-week trial.

Verdicts:

• Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy

  • Pertains to the alleged criminal enterprise and its activities. This charge was dropped after the jury found him not guilty.

• Count 2: Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion

  • This charge related to the alleged sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura. The jury acquitted him on this count.

• Count 3: Transportation to engage in prostitution

  • This charge involved transporting Cassie Ventura and other commercial sex workers for prostitution. The jury found him guilty on this count.

• Count 4: Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion

  • This charge pertained to the alleged sex trafficking of "Jane". The jury acquitted him on this count.

• Count 5: Transportation to engage in prostitution

  • This charge involved transporting "Jane" and other commercial sex workers for prostitution. The jury found him guilty on this count.

Cassie:

• One of the romantic partners who was a victim of the illegal activity was singer, dancer, actress, and model Cassie Ventura.

• Ventura and Combs were in a relationship from 2007-2018, during which time Ventura claims Combs physically, sexually, and emotionally abused her.

• Ventura was one of the women Combs transported for the purpose of prostitution.

• Ventura filed a separate civil case against Combs in 2023, detailing many of his abusive behaviors that she presented during the trial which was ultimately settled out of court for $20M.

Her team’s response to the verdict:

• Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, issued a statement saying: "This entire criminal process started when our client, Cassie Ventura, had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.  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.”

• The statement continued: "She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors."

What’s next:

• Judge Arun Subramanian will decide whether Combs, who has been held in detention since his arrest, will be released on bail pending sentencing.

• The decision will largely pertain to whether Combs is a flight risk.

• Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said, “[Combs] would be nothing short of a fool to do anything. He treasures the opportunity he has been given.”