Sean Combs Sentencing: Essential Information You Should Understand

The music mogul Sean Combs is due to receive his sentence on Friday morning by a US district judge in New York City, after his conviction earlier this year on federal prostitution-related charges.

This article provides a recap of his legal proceedings: what he was indicted for, the trial events, and what might happen next.

What Charges Was He Convicted On?

During July, following a two-month trial, a panel of jurors convicted Combs of two charges of transporting individuals for prostitution. He was found not guilty of the most serious charges against him, racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could have resulted in the possibility of a life sentence.

The charges on which he was convicted each carry a maximum sentence of a decade. Combs had entered a not guilty plea to every count.

Judge Arun Subramanian, who oversaw the trial, will hand down the ruling on the scheduled day, with the court session set to start at 10am ET in federal district court in downtown Manhattan.

Combs, 55, has been detained without bond at the Brooklyn metropolitan detention center since his arrest in September last year. Since the decision, the judge has rejected two bail requests from Combs’s legal team, and earlier this week Subramanian also rejected a motion to set aside the guilty verdicts.

What Allegations Was Combs Facing?

Federal prosecutors alleged the music executive of leveraging his status and resources, and using violence, threats and blackmail, to force former partners into participating in drug-fueled sexual marathons with paid companions. Such sessions were often called by the accused as “freak-offs”, which they said Combs organized, watched, pleasured himself to and sometimes filmed.

The prosecution asserted that for over twenty years, Combs operated a criminal enterprise – aided by employees and associates – to conduct and hide crimes including sex-trafficking, drug distribution, bribery and kidnapping.

Despite being convicted on two counts, Combs has disputed wrongdoing. His lawyers have maintained that every encounter was mutually agreed and that no illicit organization existed.

What Happened During the Trial?

The prosecution presented over thirty witnesses, including two of Combs’s former girlfriends – singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a second individual who gave evidence under the pseudonym of “Jane” – who recounted the so-called “freak-offs” in graphic detail, and alleged that Combs pressured and intimidated them into participating.

Ventura was the key witness for the prosecution. She stated that during her long-term relationship with Combs, he exposed her to physical, sexual and emotional abuse and to blackmail. The jury was presented with the 2016 video of Combs attacking Ventura in a corridor. Jane also told the court of a physical confrontation with Combs.

Additional testimony included ex-staff, escorts, police officers, hotel employees and public figures including musician Kid Cudi and singer Dawn Richard. Combs did not testify.

Combs’s legal team acknowledged previous incidents of abuse, but disputed that any coercion or trafficking occurred. They maintained that all sexual activity was consensual and part of a “alternative lifestyle”, and argued that Ventura and Jane were willing participants in the encounters.

How Much Time Could He Serve?

Combs’s attorneys have asked the court for a penalty of a maximum of 14 months in prison, which, given time already served, would permit his release by year's end. They argue that Combs has already been “sufficiently penalized” by serving 13 months in the “terrible conditions” at the facility.

Federal prosecutors, however, have requested a minimum of 135 months (11 years and three months) and a $500,000 fine. In court filings, they described Combs as “showing no remorse” and said that “his history and characteristics demonstrate a pattern of misconduct.

What Statements Were Made By the Victims?

The government filed several victim impact statements to the court ahead of the sentencing, including one from Ventura.

“While the jury did not seem to grasp or accept that I engaged in the events because of the pressure and intimidation the defendant used against me, I know that is the reality, and his sentence should reflect the reality of the evidence and my lived experience as a survivor,” Ventura wrote.

“I am so fearful that if he is released, his initial steps will be swift retribution towards me and others who testified about his abuse, at trial,” she said.

“If there is one thing I have learned from this ordeal, it is that those affected will never be safe,” she continued. “I hope that your decision considers the facts at hand that the panel overlooked.”

What Comes Next?

Following the court's decision, Combs’s legal team could appeal against the decision. Combs’s defense is also expected to appeal his verdict.

Separately, Combs faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging of sexual assault and further offenses. He has denied every claim in those proceedings.

Christopher Flores
Christopher Flores

A certified wellness expert with over 10 years of experience in spa management and holistic therapies, passionate about promoting health and relaxation.

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