A judge overseeing the criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs denied his request to toss his conviction on prostitution-related charges or allow for a new trial after the parties had a hearing on the topic last Thursday.
Judge Arun Subramanian said in his decision filed Tuesday he disagreed with Combs’ legal team’s two main arguments — that the definition of prostitution should be interpreted narrowly in relation to charges under the Mann Act, which criminalises transporting someone across state lines for prostitution, and that Combs was protected by the First Amendment as a producer and consumer of amateur pornography.
The decision comes after federal prosecutors say Combs should face more than 11 years in prison, arguing he deserves a steep sentence for physically and mentally abusing his girlfriends and employees for years.
In a 161-page filing, prosecutors urged Judge Arun Subramanian to reject Combs’ request for a sentence of 14 months, essentially time served, because they argue he hasn’t shown any remorse and instead has sought to blame the victims in the case.
“Time and again he has shown that he is concerned only with his own power and control. Only a significant term of imprisonment—meted out in a substantial number of years— can effectively deter him and show future victims that their abusers will be held accountable, no matter their wealth or fame,” prosecutors wrote in a memo to the judge filed late Monday.
They are also seeking the maximum fine allowed of $500 000.
The US probation department has recommended a sentence ranging between five and seven years in prison. Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.
Prosecutors submitted letters from Cassie Ventura, her parents, and former employees who urged the judge to consider the victims, some of whom fear retribution. Combs’ former girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym Jane, did not submit a letter to the judge.
Combs was convicted in July of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, which carry a maximum sentence of 10 years on each count. The jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges for allegedly forcing his girlfriends to have sex with paid male escorts at drug-fueled nights called “Freak Offs” or “hotel nights.” (CNN)
