Sean "Diddy" Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3 following his conviction on two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The sentencing date was approved by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the eight-week trial in Manhattan that ended with a mixed verdict. Combs, 55, was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy but found guilty of transporting women and male escorts across state lines for commercial sex acts.
The maximum penalty Combs faces is 20 years in prison - 10 years for each count under the Mann Act. Prosecutors have indicated they may seek between 51 and 63 months under federal sentencing guidelines, while defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said the range could be closer to two years. The judge is not obligated to follow those recommendations.
Combs remains in custody at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center after Judge Subramanian denied bail, citing testimony that portrayed Combs as a danger. The judge referenced an ex-girlfriend's account of being physically assaulted while Combs was under federal investigation, and noted a defense admission in court: "We own the domestic violence."
"It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger," Subramanian told the court on July 2, the day the verdict was delivered.
Combs was convicted on two specific counts: transporting Cassie Ventura and another woman, identified in court as "Jane," across state lines along with male escorts for drug-fueled sex encounters. Both women testified that they were coerced into participating in these sessions, often referred to as "freak offs." Although the jury did not find sufficient evidence to convict on sex trafficking, it concluded Combs knowingly arranged interstate travel for prostitution.
Jurors also heard from former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, who said she witnessed Combs assault Ventura and warned her to leave him. Defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland challenged the reliability of Richard's account, pointing to inconsistencies in her interviews. "It was a death threat that you didn't recall on seven different occasions?" Westmoreland asked during cross-examination, referring to Richard's allegation that Combs threatened to kill her.
Combs' legal team also questioned testimony from Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Ventura who alleged that Combs once dangled her from a 17-story balcony. Under questioning, Bongolan admitted to memory gaps regarding key details of the alleged incident.
An alternate juror told Fox News Digital that he believed the defense "poked holes" in the prosecution's case, particularly during cross-examinations. While he did not participate in deliberations, the juror said he agreed with the panel's decision to acquit on racketeering and sex trafficking. "I just hope that he takes that time to just reflect and get the help that he needs," he said, adding that Combs appeared "very engaged" throughout the trial.
Combs' conviction represents a partial victory for federal prosecutors, who alleged the hip-hop mogul ran a criminal enterprise that facilitated sexual abuse. Although they failed to secure the most severe charges, the guilty verdicts ensure a significant legal reckoning.
Combs' attorney told the Associated Press that his client plans to reenter a domestic violence intervention program following his release. "He realizes he has flaws like everyone else that he never worked on," Agnifilo said. "There's no amount of fame and no amount of fortune that can erase them."
