Sean “Diddy” Combs just dodged the biggest bullet of his life. The federal jury handed down its verdict on July 2 after seven weeks of testimony and three days of deliberation. Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking, the two charges that carried the possibility of life in prison. But he didn’t walk out clean. The jury found him guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. That conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years per count. The judge has not yet ruled on bail.
The racketeering charge was the centerpiece. Prosecutors alleged Combs ran a criminal enterprise spanning two decades, using his music empire to orchestrate drug-fueled sex parties, intimidate witnesses, and silence victims. The jury didn’t buy it. They deadlocked on the charge Tuesday, then returned Wednesday with a full acquittal. That alone shaved decades off his sentencing exposure.
The sex trafficking charges also fell apart. Witnesses described “freak offs,” multi-day sex marathons involving escorts, drugs, and coercion. Cassie Ventura and another woman known as “Jane” testified about being manipulated and threatened. Prosecutors played surveillance footage and introduced hotel records showing Combs booked suites under aliases like Frank Black and Ryan Lopez. But the jury didn’t find enough to convict on trafficking.
The two convictions stem from violations of the Mann Act. Combs flew escorts across state lines for paid sex acts. The jury agreed that happened. That’s a felony. That’s prison time. But it’s not racketeering. It’s not trafficking. And it’s not life.
Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest last September. His legal team is now pushing for bail ahead of sentencing. Judge Arun Subramanian is weighing that request. No date has been set for sentencing, but the maximum exposure is 20 years. The defense will argue for far less.
The courtroom was packed. Combs’ mother and children were present. After the verdict, he dropped to his knees and prayed. His lawyer said, “Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury.” The prosecution declined comment.
This trial was one of the highest-profile federal cases since the Epstein fallout. Over 30 witnesses testified. The government introduced hundreds of exhibits. The defense called none. Combs did not testify. The jury still gave him a partial win.
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