NEW YORK — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs urged a federal judge on Monday to impose a sentence of no more than 14 months for the music mogul’s conviction on two prostitution-related offenses. The defense contended that Combs, who has already spent over a year in custody, has faced sufficient punishment.
In court documents, Combs’ attorneys depicted him as a changed individual. They argued that he has become a “humbled man” who values his family and is committed to making positive contributions to society. They also highlighted his role in mentoring fellow inmates, teaching them vital skills in business management and personal development.
If Judge Arun Subramanian agrees with the defense’s recommendation, Combs could be released shortly after his sentencing, set for October 3. His prior exoneration from more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, a move that could have led to a lengthy prison term, has also been underlined by his legal team.
The defense indicated that Combs’ career and reputation have suffered irreversible damage due to the criminal charges. They noted the toll the conviction has taken on his seven children, who have experienced “devastating consequences,” including lost opportunities in various fields like acting, fashion, and music. Additionally, many of Combs’ family members are embroiled in nearly 100 civil lawsuits filed against him.
Prosecutors, however, are seeking a longer sentence than what the defense has proposed. They expressed intentions to argue for a more severe punishment during the upcoming sentencing hearing. In previous statements, they asserted that Combs lacks solid grounds for an acquittal.
The charges stem from violations of the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state or national lines for prostitution purposes. Each violation carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years, raising the possibility of a lengthy prison term for Combs. His attorneys have claimed this conviction is unprecedented for cases with similar circumstances.
Throughout the proceedings, the defense maintained that the sexual encounters labeled as “freak offs” or “hotel nights” were consensual and devoid of any financial motivations on Combs’ part. Despite requests for bail, Combs has been denied release. His legal team previously argued that the detention center in Brooklyn posed threats to his safety, emphasizing that others facing similar charges have typically been granted bail prior to sentencing.
The judge determined that Combs did not sufficiently demonstrate a lack of danger to others or himself, leading to the continued denial of bail.
This article was automatically written by Open AI. The people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate, and any article can be requested removed, retracted, or corrected by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.