NEW YORK — A jury in Sean Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial announced Tuesday that they reached a partial verdict after deliberating for two days. However, they remain undecided on the key charge that involves allegations of Combs operating a criminal enterprise.
Around 4:05 p.m. on Tuesday, jurors informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they had unanimously agreed on four of the five counts presented against the music mogul in his indictment. They indicated that they could not come to a consensus on the first count, related to racketeering conspiracy, citing “unpersuadable opinions on both sides.”
Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, appeared visibly unsettled when his attorneys conveyed the news of the partial verdict, momentarily pausing before taking his seat amidst a team of eight lawyers. As deliberations continued, his three sons and three eldest daughters entered the courtroom, offering a show of familial support.
The jury’s note detailed their unanimous decisions on two counts of sex trafficking — one involving Combs’ former girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and another linked to a more recent ex-girlfriend who testified using the pseudonym “Jane.” They also agreed on two counts regarding transportation for the purposes of prostitution. The note, however, did not specify the direction of the jurors’ votes on these counts.
Prosecutors and the defense provided differing recommendations to Judge Subramanian regarding how to address the jury’s divided stance. While prosecutors requested a modified Allen charge, encouraging the panel to continue deliberating, the defense firmly opposed the necessity of such instructions. Lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued that the jury was performing efficiently, having swiftly resolved four verdicts in approximately 12 hours.
In response to the differing views, the judge opted for a middle ground, instructing the jury to keep deliberating. He reiterated the importance of collaborative discussions among jurors and emphasized the duty to reach a consensus.
Deliberations resumed the following morning at 9 a.m. ET, with Combs returning to the courthouse to review documents and prepare for the anticipated verdict. His family members filled the courtroom, with his mother, Janice, and several of his children present for support.
Before leaving the courtroom, Combs took a moment to encourage his family, urging them to “stay strong.” He led them in a brief prayer, asking for blessings over the jurors and guidance for his family.
The racketeering charge under the RICO Act requires jurors to weigh multiple factors, including the involvement of at least two individuals in a criminal enterprise and the occurrence of two predicate crimes that have affected interstate or foreign commerce. The indictment specifies eight predicate acts, including bribery, drug distribution, and sex trafficking.
Closing arguments saw prosecutors like Christy Slavik detailing testimonies, including claims against Combs related to bribery and forced participation in sexual acts. The defense countered the allegations, contending that the case against Combs lacks merit as he was the only one indicted and that witnesses did not affirm being part of a criminal enterprise.
On Tuesday, jurors requested clarification on testimonies during the trial, indicating a focus on significant incidents outlined by prosecutors that illustrated the severity of the sex trafficking claims.
With potential sentences looming, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years and could be looking at life in prison if convicted of sex trafficking. A separate count of transportation for prostitution carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.
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