A federal judge will sentence Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday after the music mogul was found guilty of prostitution-related charges.

The government initially brought five charges against him: two counts of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, a New York jury in July acquitted the 55-year-old of the more serious charges and found him guilty of only the prostitution-related counts.

Each prostitution count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, meaning Diddy could face up to 20 years behind bars. His defense team has requested a sentence of no more than 14 months, while prosecutors are seeking more than 11 years in prison. The rapper’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Friday.

### Details from the Trial

During the dramatic two-month trial, Diddy’s ex-girlfriends and former associates testified about his past drug use, domestic abuse, and “freak offs”—marathon sexual encounters that sometimes lasted days and often involved male escorts.

### Charges Brought Against Diddy

The government charged Combs with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act by conspiring with a criminal enterprise to carry out a pattern of illegal behavior. Prosecutors accused him of running a criminal enterprise composed of his staff and associates, committing crimes such as sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, bribery, arson, and obstruction of justice since at least 2008.

According to the government, these actions were aimed at allowing Diddy to abuse, threaten, and coerce women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, while also protecting his reputation by concealing his behavior.

RICO laws, established in 1970, are designed to prosecute individuals involved in organized crime, including Mafia members. The RICO conspiracy charge carries the most severe potential punishment, including life imprisonment. However, Diddy was acquitted of this charge.

### Sex Trafficking and Transportation Charges

**Victim 1: Cassie Ventura**

Diddy was charged with one count of sex trafficking related to his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Prosecutors allege that after Ventura signed with his record label, Bad Boy Records, Diddy recruited and manipulated her. Ventura testified that she feared Diddy, who physically abused her at times, and that she participated in freak offs to keep him happy.

Diddy reportedly hired male escorts and watched them engage in sexual activity with Ventura. He also sometimes filmed these encounters and allegedly used the footage for blackmail. This sex trafficking charge carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Additionally, Diddy was charged with one count of transportation for purposes of prostitution relating to Ventura. Prosecutors claim he knowingly transported Ventura and male escorts across state lines and internationally to participate in freak offs. Between 2009 and 2018, Combs allegedly paid for their travel to cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Ibiza. The male escorts, recruited mainly through the escort service Cowboys 4 Angels, were reportedly paid up to $6,000 for their participation, although payment was contingent on Combs’ approval. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

**Victim 2: “Jane”**

Diddy also faced one count of sex trafficking related to another ex-girlfriend, identified under the pseudonym Jane. Prosecutors claim he enticed Jane with promises of lavish trips, expensive gifts, and a real relationship, but then pressured her into participating in freak offs. Jane testified that she felt financially controlled by Diddy, who paid her rent, leaving her feeling obligated to perform in the sex marathons. This charge also carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Furthermore, Diddy was charged with one count of transportation for purposes of prostitution related to Jane and male escorts. Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Combs arranged for Jane to travel across state lines to participate in freak offs, which were sometimes filmed. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

—

The upcoming sentencing will determine the length of Diddy’s prison term, reflecting the severity of the prostitution-related convictions.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/diddy-charges-explained-verdict-racketeering-b2838456.html