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Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges against him, but convicted of two lower counts.
WASHINGTON — Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges but convicted of two lesser charges in a sex trafficking trial that has gathered nationwide attention for over a month, closing a chapter in the hip-hop mogul’s tumultuous battle with the law.
Another big decision looms, whether Combs should be freed or face additional jail time.
Will Diddy go to prison?
Combs was found guilty of two lesser charges related to transporting a person to engage in prostitution.
If he had been convicted on all charges, Combs would have faced a maximum sentence of life in prison.
But each of the transportation charges are relatively minor in comparison, with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Shortly after the verdict was announced, Combs’ defense team argued that their client should be released today on bond ahead of sentencing.
Prosecutors told the judge they oppose the motion to release Combs and said they intend to seek a sentence of incarceration.
The judge asked the defense and prosecutors to submit letters on their positions about the possibility of releasing Combs by 1 p.m. Eastern and he would make a decision afterward.
What was Diddy accused of?
The three-time Grammy Award winner faced five felony charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors say Combs coerced women into abusive sex parties involving hired male sex workers, ensured their compliance with drugs like cocaine and threats to their careers, and silenced victims through blackmail and violence that included kidnapping, arson and beatings.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, portrayed the Bad Boys Records founder as the victim of overzealous prosecutors who exaggerated elements of his lifestyle and recreational drug use to bring charges that resulted in what he called a “fake trial.”
After three days of deliberation, the jury in Combs’ trial found him not guilty on the three most serious charges: the racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
