‘Diddy’ Acquitted in Racketeering Conspiracy, 2 Sex Trafficking Charges

‘Diddy’ Acquitted in Racketeering Conspiracy, 2 Sex Trafficking Charges

By TheNationWeek.Com  

July 4, 2025

NEW YORK – Sean “Diddy” Combs walked out of court a convicted man, but not on the most serious charges he faced.

After weeks of testimony, the music mogul was found guilty on two counts of transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, the least severe of the five allegations leveled against him.

While Combs’s legal team celebrated the partial victory, assuring his family he would soon be home, a complex web of civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse remains a significant threat.

The case, which drew intense media scrutiny, centered on accusations of racketeering and sex trafficking.

The jury acquitted Combs on the more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking involving coercion, one related to his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another involving a witness identified as Jane.

The racketeering charge, in particular, carried the potential for a life sentence.

The Verdict Breakdown

• Guilty: Two counts of transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

• Not Guilty: One count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking involving coercion.

Sentencing on the Horizon

Combs remains in custody, denied bail for the fifth time.

He is scheduled to return to court on July 8 for a scheduling conference regarding sentencing, but the actual sentencing hearing is not expected until October.

He has been incarcerated for approximately nine months since his arrest in September.

Potential Outcomes

While the maximum sentence for each transportation charge is 10 years, legal experts predict a more lenient outcome.

Sentencing guidelines suggest a term of just over five years, while Combs’s attorneys are advocating for a maximum of two, hoping his time already served will be factored in.

They are also pushing for a transfer to a lower-security facility, citing the harsh conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

However, his earlier rejection of a plea deal could influence the judge to impose a harsher sentence.

Appeal Route

Combs retains the right to appeal his conviction or the length of his sentence, but appeals are typically based on legal errors during the trial process, rather than a re-evaluation of the jury’s findings.

The criminal trial is just one facet of Combs’s legal woes.

He faces a barrage of civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and rape, unrelated to the organized crime charges at the heart of the criminal case.

There are currently 66 ongoing civil cases against him, including one filed by singer Dawn Richard, who testified during the trial.

Richard’s lawsuit alleges sexual assault, gender-based violence, and false imprisonment.

Cassie’s Case: A Quick Resolution

Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s civil lawsuit, which detailed allegations of physical abuse and sexual slavery, was settled remarkably quickly.

The day after filing, the two parties reached an agreement, with Ventura reportedly receiving $20 million.

Her testimony proved crucial in the criminal trial, contributing to the jury’s decision on the transportation charges.

Understanding the Charges

• Transportation to Engage in Prostitution: This charge falls under the Mann Act, a 1910 law designed to combat human trafficking, and pertains to facilitating travel for individuals to engage in paid sexual acts.

• Sex Trafficking: As defined by the US Department of Justice, sex trafficking involves exploiting individuals for commercial sex through coercion or force.

The distinction between trafficking and transportation lies in the requirement for evidence of coercion in the trafficking charge.

• Racketeering: This refers to illegal activities conducted by organized crime groups.

Prosecutors alleged that Combs used his business, Combs Enterprise, to manipulate and coerce women into sexual acts.

As the legal saga unfolds, the outcome of the civil lawsuits and the final sentencing in the criminal case will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Combs’s career, reputation, and future.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of sexual abuse allegations and the challenges of navigating the legal system.