Jurors have reached a verdict in the high-profile sex-trafficking case of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Combs has been found guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial, but acquitted of the most serious charge of racketeering.
It comes nearly 10 months after prosecutors in Manhattan initially unveiled a three-count criminal indictment against Combs, accusing him of engaging in transportation for prostitution, and conspiracy over the course of more than 17 years.
The government had claimed Combs coerced and drugged women to participate in recorded “highly orchestrated performances” of sexual activity – which he called “freak offs” – that would sometimes last days and often included male commercial sex workers.
Here are the charges that were brought against Combs:
Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy – Not Guilty
The government charged Combs with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations conspiracy act by conspiring with a “criminal enterprise” to carry out a pattern of illegal behavior.
Prosecutors accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise, comprised of his staff and associates, to commit crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, bribery, arson, and obstruction of justice since at least 2008.
This was done, according to the government, so Combs could abuse, threaten and coerce women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desire while also protecting his reputation by concealing his behavior.
RICO laws were created in 1970 to prosecute people involved in organized crime, such as Mafia members.
The charge carried a maximum sentence of life in prison – the most severe punishment out of any of the charges.
Count 2: Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – Not Guilty
Combs was charged with one count of sex trafficking as related to “Victim 1,” his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Prosecutors say Combs recruited Ventura into his orbit after she signed with his record label, Bad Boy Records, and he began flirting with her.
Ventura testified that she was afraid of Combs, who physically abused them at times, and wanted to do whatever she could to keep him happy, including participating in Combs’s drug-fueled sex marathons known as “freak offs.”
Combs would hire male escorts and watch them engage in sexual activity with Ventura. The music mogul also sometimes filmed these encounters, which Ventura said he later used as blackmail.
The charge carried a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Count 3: Transportation for purposes of prostitution – Guilty
The government charged Combs with one count of transportation for purposes of prostitution related to Ventura. Prosecutors claim the music mogul knowingly transported Ventura and other male escorts across state lines and internationally for the purposes of engaging in prostitution.
At multiple times between 2009 and 2018, Combs paid for Ventura and male sex workers to fly to cities across the world, including New York City, Los Angeles, Miami and Ibiza, in order to participate in “freak offs.”
Combs and Ventura recruited male escorts mainly through the escort service Cowboys 4 Angels. They were paid up to $6,000 to participate in “freak offs” but only received money when Combs felt their performances were complete.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Count 4: Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion – Not Guilty
Combs was charged with one count of sex trafficking as related to “Victim 2,” his ex-girlfriend known under the pseudonym “Jane.”
Prosecutors alleged that Combs enticed “Jane” into his orbit under the promise of lavish trips, expensive gifts, a real relationship and more. He then pressured her into performing for “freak offs” by controlling her financially through paying her rent.
“Jane” testified that she felt obligated to perform in the sex marathons as a result.
The charge carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Count 5: Transportation for purposes of prostitution – Guilty
Combs faced an additional charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution related to the travel of “Jane” and male escorts.
Prosecutors said between 2021 and 2024, Combs had “Jane” travel across state lines in order to participate in “freak offs” with male escorts, which were occasionally filmed.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
