Diddy Convicted On Two Counts, Cleared Of Sex Trafficking Charges In US Court

American music mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs, has been found guilty on two federal counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution. However, he was acquitted of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy after an intense eight-week trial in Manhattan.

Naija News reports that the federal jury, comprised of eight men and four women, reached their partial verdict on Wednesday following over 13 hours of deliberations.

The guilty verdicts stemmed from cases involving two women identified in court documents as “Jane” and Cassandra Ventura. Despite these convictions, Diddy avoided potentially life-threatening prison terms that could have come with a guilty verdict on all charges.

Combs, 55, was convicted under the US Mann Act, which imposes a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment per count.

The jury, however, cleared the embattled music executive of sex trafficking both women and dismissed the racketeering conspiracy charge. Observers noted Diddy became visibly emotional when the verdicts were read, seen mouthing “thank you” to the jury before covering his face and exhaling deeply. He later smiled, shook hands with his attorneys, and acknowledged his family in the courtroom.

His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, told the court that although Diddy had past struggles with drugs and domestic issues, prosecutors exaggerated their case. “This is his first conviction, and it’s a prostitution offense. He’s not a flight risk,” Agnifilo argued, appealing to allow Combs return to his Miami Beach residence pending sentencing.

The presiding judge has not yet announced a sentencing date.