Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs the Rapper Confronts Punishment After National Sex Trade Conviction
Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to appear a US district judge in Manhattan this Friday to receive his sentence subsequent to his conviction earlier this year on federal prostitution-related charges.
Court Verdict
After the eight-week trial which ended in the month of July, jurors cleared Combs of the most serious accusations of human trafficking and conspiracy charges. Jurors, though, find him guilty on two charges of moving individuals for sex work.
Judge Subramanian is now tasked with the duty of determining the sentence. Court activities are planned to start at 10am eastern time.
Case Background
Combs was accused of pressuring two ex-partners into drug-laced sexual encounters featuring paid companions. Had he been convicted on the most severe counts would have resulted in a life sentence.
When he was acquitted of those accusations, he reportedly knelt down to pray. His attorney commented that he had “been given his life back”.
Likely Penalty
However, the convictions he was given both carry a possible of ten years behind bars pursuant to the federal Mann Act, which prohibits crossing state lines to facilitate prostitution.
Federal prosecutors describe the actions as major violations, although the defense team has downplayed the counts as “backup” charges that never should have gone forward.
New Information
It has been reported that Combs plans to address to the presiding officer prior to the penalty is delivered, despite not testifying throughout the legal proceedings.
Via a motion submitted last week, his attorneys petitioned that he be allowed to show up in “regular clothes” at the hearing, just as he had throughout the proceedings when he wore informal business attire.
“The sentencing proceeding carries great weight for Mr. Combs,” the letter noted. “He wants to appear before the Court, make a statement, and make his case in the most respectful and respectful way attainable.”
Sentencing Recommendations
A wide range of punishments is on the table, as both prosecution and defense have submitted proposals following federal sentencing rules, while the ultimate ruling is up to the judge.
Federal attorneys is advocating for at least eleven years and three months behind bars – amounting to over a decade – labeling Combs “showing no remorse” and pointing out coercive behavior that those who testified recounted.
The defense team are seeking a maximum of just over a year, which including credit for time served would allow Combs to leave custody by the conclusion of next year. They argue that his punishment has already proven sufficient for what they claim was consensual sex with hired performers.
Sentencing officials, meanwhile, calculated that the guideline range could extend to a maximum of over seven years.
