What is the 'RICO' charge Diddy faces?
Share and Follow


(NewsNation) — Jurors in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs have been instructed to deliberate for another day after being unable to reach a unanimous verdict on a racketeering charge.

Combs was charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Jurors were able to reach a verdict in the other charges, but explained to a judge that there were jurors who were “unpersuadable on both sides” when it came to racketeering.

The jurors were expected back on Wednesday to continue further deliberations in hopes of reaching a verdict on that charge.

What is RICO?

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law, or RICO, was passed in 1970. It allows prosecutors to issue criminal charges against multiple people or groups who commit related crimes over time for financial profit.

RICO was originally aimed at the Mafia, but prosecutors have used it to attack many forms of organized crime, including street gangs, cartels, corrupt police departments and even politicians.

To violate RICO, a person must engage in a pattern of racketeering activity connected to an enterprise. There are 35 offenses defined by the law as constituting racketeering, including gambling, murder, kidnapping, arson, drug dealing and bribery. To charge under RICO, at least two predicate crimes within 10 years must have been committed through the enterprise.

An “enterprise” is defined as including any individual, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity, and any union or group of individuals associated with the criminal activity. The criminal RICO statute provides for prison terms of 20 years and financial penalties.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Third girl dies after Miami sailing camp boat crash

Related video: Officials provide update after 2 kids killed at Miami sailing…

Danville Fire Department Tackles Overnight Blaze at City-Owned Building

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Danville Fire Department battled a fire for…

Silver Bluff Baptist Church Celebrates 275 Years of Historical Significance

BEECH ISLAND, Sc () – Silver Bluff Missionary Baptist Church in Beech…

Deputies report man seriously injured in Orange County shooting

Shooting happened in 100 Block of South Orange Blossom Trail ORANGE COUNTY,…

Centuries-Dormant Volcano in Russia’s Far East Erupts Anew

A volcano on Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula erupted overnight into Sunday…

Sam Mayer Secures Consecutive Wins in Iowa, Achieves First Xfinity Triumph of the Season

NEWTON, Iowa (WHO) — It was a repeat win at the Iowa…

Community Volunteers Provide Beds for Children in Need

HINESVILLE, Ga. () — Dozens of volunteers gathered in Hinesville with one…

Teenager Killed and Three Injured in Shooting on Deans Bridge Road, Meadowbrook

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Richmond County deputies investigating a deadly shooting in…