Sean Combs, in custody for a year, to face sentencing on split verdict

"On Friday, the high-profile trial of Sean Combs, which was marked by explosive allegations against the mogul, crowds of his supporters and weeks of painstakingly graphic testimony and evidence, will reach its final stage. Combs, who has been in custody since his arrest in 2024, will appear at a sentencing hearing in New York City to advocate for his imminent release."

"Federal prosecutors are expected to request that Judge Arun Subramanian sentence Combs to more than a decade behind bars. Combs' trial began in May and ended in a split verdict on July 2. He was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution; each carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. But he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy."

"The investigation, which started in November 2023, centered on the allegations of two women: the singer Cassie Ventura and "Jane," who testified using a pseudonym to protect her privacy. Both women told the court that throughout their relationships with Combs, he used violence, manipulation and coercion to get them to participate in drug-fueled encounters with male sex workers. Combs, who is 55 years old, was found guilty of transporting Ventura and Jane along with hired escorts across state lines"

Sean Combs will appear at a New York sentencing hearing after being in custody since his 2024 arrest. Federal prosecutors are expected to request more than a decade in prison. The trial ended July 2 with convictions on two counts of transportation for prostitution, each carrying up to ten years, and acquittals on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The investigation began in November 2023 and focused on allegations from Cassie Ventura and a pseudonymous witness, Jane, who said Combs used violence, manipulation and coercion to force participation in drug-fueled encounters with male sex workers. The convictions were under the Mann Act, and a judge denied a defense motion to overturn them. Victim impact statements were filed, including one from Ventura expressing disappointment.

Read at www.npr.org