Diddy
Share and Follow

(NEXSTAR) – A jury acquitted music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs of the most serious offenses at his New York trial, finding him not guilty of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges but guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs, 55, had faced the possibility of life in prison if convicted on all charges. A racketeering conviction alone carried a potential life sentence, while the sex trafficking charges carried mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years, or as much as life.

The maximum sentence Combs faces for violating the Mann Act — which is what he was found guilty of — are significantly less harsh: A conviction carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each count.

Diddy
Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)

The Mann Act makes it a federal crime to transport “any individual, male or female, in interstate or foreign commerce or in any territory or possession of the United States for the purpose of prostitution or sexual activity,” per the U.S. Department of Justice.

In Combs’ case, the prosecution had successfully argued that he flew people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters.

Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail. The judge has said the bond matter will be discussed Wednesday afternoon, Deadline reported.

In any case, Diddy appeared at least somewhat satisfied with the verdict, holding up his hands in prayer after it was read, the Associated Press reported. He was also seen pumping his fist subtly.

At one point after the verdict was read, he also addressed his family members who supported him in court, saying, “I’ll be home soon.”

Comb’s sentencing will ultimately be determined at a later date.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Disney releases concert lineup for Food and Wine Festival

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Disney on Wednesday released its lineup for the…

Rounds of heavy possible Wed & Thu

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Showers will increase in coverage again today and…

Safety Tips for July 4th: Risks of Fireworks and Family-Friendly Alternatives

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – The 4th of July is just around the…

Florida Governor DeSantis Signs 19 Laws Into Effect and Vetoes 4 Others: A Detailed Explanation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Over the course of the past few days, Florida…

Shriners Children’s Plans to Open $153 Million Medical Research Facility in Atlanta

ATLANTA (AP) — The nonprofit that operates Shriners Children’s hospitals across North…

Exclusive: Charges dropped for those arrested at ‘No Kings’ protest

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC () – Charges against four people arrested for mask…

Tennessee Board of Education Restores Employee Raises in Budget Discussion

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County, Tennessee Board of Education (BOE)…

Proposed Bill in South Carolina State House Could Revolutionize Teacher Grading – Discover the Details

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – Some teachers in South Carolina have said they…