Diddy Beats RICO, Escapes Most Serious Charges
The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial reached a verdict on all counts Wednesday.
The jury found Diddy not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was found guilty on both counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
- COUNT 1 - RICO: NOT GUILTY
- COUNT 2 - SEX TRAFFICKING, CASSIE VENTURA: NOT GUILTY
- COUNT 3 - MANN ACT TRANSPORTATION, CASSIE VENTURA: GUILTY
- COUNT 4 - SEX TRAFFICKING, JANE: NOT GUILTY
- COUNT 5 - MANN ACT TRANSPORTATION,JANE: GUILTY
A federal RICO violation can result in a 20-year sentence. The transportation to engage in prostitution charge could carry a sentence of up to 10 years, while sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion may carry a 20-year sentence.
Diddy returned to the courtroom wearing another beige sweater while the jury continued deliberating. He hugged his lawyers and waved to his mother and a supporter who was whispering, "Hi Diddy" to him. The rapper also made the heart symbol with his hand.
Combs then spoke to the court marshals briefly before standing and facing his family. He said a brief prayer, asking God to watch over his family and bless the jurors. The family all bowed their heads and said "amen" when Diddy finished. The family then clapped.