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A judge presiding in a New York federal court has imposed a sentence on entertainer Diddy to a prison term of four years and two months following his July jury decision on charges tied to prostitution under federal law.

Courtroom Proceedings

The Friday decision in a Manhattan courtroom came after a summer federal jury panel found not guilty the 55-year-old music mogul of the top-level allegations against him – racketeering and trafficking charges – but convicted him of two charges of transporting for prostitution. Every charge holds a up to a decade incarceration.

Sean Combs, incarcerated in custody at the Brooklyn facility since his September 2024 apprehension, had maintained his innocence to the full slate of allegations. He has gotten credit for the year-plus already behind bars.

Legal Arguments and Sentencing Requests

Last week, his legal team urged the court to hand down a sentence not exceeding 14 months, which, accounting for prior custody, would enable his freedom before the end of the year.

Federal prosecutors, however, sought a substantially extended incarceration, asking the court to impose a sentence of at least 135 months (11 years and three months) and a $500K financial sanction. In their filing, the prosecutors described Combs as “unrepentant” and said that his past and traits reveal a long pattern of abuse and violence.

Legal Proceedings Overview

Since the July jury announcement, judge Arun Subramanian has denied two bail requests from the defense counsel and also turned down an application to reverse the convictions.

During the court proceedings, which began 12 May, government attorneys accused the music label founder of using his power, fame, wealth and influence, as well as aggression, menaces and extortion, to compel two previous romantic partners into participating in what were described as drug-fueled sexual marathons with paid companions, referred to as “hotel nights” or “freak-offs”, which they said he arranged, observed, gratified himself to and occasionally recorded.

Prosecutors alleged that for in excess of 20 years, he headed a criminal organization – supported by workers and partners – that was involved in and tried to hide a series of illegal acts including human trafficking, abduction, compulsory work, drug distribution, arson and bribery, prostitution solicitation and justice interference.

Trial Testimonies

The jurors received testimony from 30-plus individuals called by the state, including a pair of his ex-partners, multiple past workers and helpers, hired companions, lodging employees, law enforcement agents and celebrities including musician Kid Cudi and singer Dawn Richard and others. Combs did not testify.

And after 13 hours over three days of jury discussion, the jury returned the mixed verdict and acquitted Combs of the racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which could have led to a life imprisonment, but convicted him on the prostitution charges stemming from the federal Mann Act.

Key Witness Accounts

Central to the prosecution's case were the statements from the two previous companions: artist Cassie and a woman who testified under the pseudonym of “Jane”. Both women gave detailed descriptions of the sexual events and alleged that Combs coerced them into participating.

She told the court that during her and their on-again, off-again 11-year involvement, he exposed her to bodily, sexual and psychological mistreatment and coercion. Jury members were often presented with 2016 hotel video of him assaulting Cassie in a hotel corridor.

“Jane” testified that she, too, was intimidated and forced by Combs into intimate acts, and also recounted an violence altercation with Combs that resulted in head welts.

Defense Arguments and Mitigating Factors

Across the case, his attorneys admitted previous occurrences of relationship violence, but denied that any coercion or sex trafficking took place and asserted that all intimacy was voluntary, characterizing them as part of a “swingers lifestyle”.

In their sentencing memo, the defense noted his drug habit as a factor that contributed to his behavior.

Last-Minute Pleas and Victim Statements

On the Thursday preceding his penalty hearing, he sent a letter to the judge making a appeal for mercy.

“First and foremost, I want to apologize and convey my deep regret for every injury and suffering that I have brought upon others via my behavior. I take full responsibility and accountability for my past wrongs,” he wrote.

“This period has been the most difficult 24 months of my life, and I have only myself to blame for my present circumstances. In my life, I have committed numerous errors, but I am not evading them anymore” he added. “I am truly remorseful for the suffering I created, but I understand that the mere words ‘I’m sorry’ will always be insufficient as these words alone cannot eliminate prior anguish.”

Later in the letter, he added, “I deviated from my course. I got lost in my journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess. My ruin was based on self-absorption. I have been reduced and crushed completely.”

Earlier this week, ahead of the sentencing, Cassie provided a victim statement, urging the court to hand down the sentence suggested by the prosecutors.

“Although the jurors appeared not to comprehend or accept that I took part in the activities under duress and intimidation the respondent applied to me, I know that is the truth, and his penalty ought to mirror the factual evidence and my personal ordeal as a victim” Ventura wrote.

She said that she still has “nightmares and flashbacks on a regular, everyday basis, and continue to require psychological care to cope with my past”.

“My concerns that Combs or his circle could pursue me and my family is my reality,” she wrote to the court. “I am fearful that if he gains freedom, his initial steps will be immediate revenge towards me and others who revealed his mistreatment during the trial.

Further Court Cases

Outside of his criminal case, he confronts over 50 civil cases alleging sexual misconduct and other wrongdoings. He has denied all allegations in those filings.