NEW YORK (AP) — A federal choose mentioned Thursday he’ll rule “very shortly” whether or not to toss out two prostitution-related costs that Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of in July or to maneuver ahead with a sentencing deliberate for subsequent week.
Decide Arun Subramanian listened to almost 90 minutes of arguments by attorneys over whether or not the fees had been correctly introduced towards the Grammy-winning hip-hop producer.
Combs, 55, is scheduled to be sentenced subsequent week in Manhattan federal courtroom for his conviction on two counts alleging that he organized interstate journey for folks engaged in prostitution.
Protection legal professional Alexandra Shapiro urged the choose to toss out two violations of the Mann Act that resulted in conviction. The jury acquitted him of intercourse trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors mentioned he organized for paid sexual encounters between male intercourse staff and his girlfriends, a few of whom testified about being overwhelmed, kicked and choked by Combs.
Shapiro argued that Combs can’t be held chargeable for financing and serving to to rearrange the transportation domestically and internationally for elaborate intercourse performances that he continuously filmed over a 15-year interval.
Christy Slavik, a prosecutor argued that the jury verdict ought to stand, saying it was within the public curiosity to forestall prostitution, notably when it includes the sort of violence and medicines that occurred when Combs was concerned.
As he entered the courtroom, a smiling Combs waved to his supporters and touched his coronary heart earlier than taking his seat amongst a number of attorneys. He didn’t communicate throughout the listening to besides to greet the choose.
On the finish of the listening to, Combs blew kisses to his household, which included his mom, three daughters and three sons.
“Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much,” he mentioned. “Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home.”
He additionally instructed them: “I’ve got some big plans for us.”
Subramanian has denied bail for the Dangerous Boy Data founder after he was convicted of prostitution-related costs in July.
Combs may have been jailed for practically 13 months when he’s sentenced Oct. 3.
His attorneys argued in courtroom papers submitted this week that he needs to be sentenced to not more than 14 months in jail. With credit score for good conduct, that may imply he can be launched instantly.
Prosecutors have mentioned they imagine he ought to spend at the least a number of extra years behind bars, though they will not submit their sentencing suggestions to the choose till subsequent week.
The choose has signaled that he, too, is leaning towards a considerable quantity of jail time, twice refusing to grant bail because the jury returned its verdict, citing Combs’ historical past of violence.
