Jury deliberations are set for tomorrow in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal criminal trial. Jurors heard closing arguments on Friday, June 27.
The Associated Press reports that defense attorney Marc Agnifilo accused the government of targeting Combs. This led to Judge Arun Subramanian instructing jurors not to consider why or how the government obtained the indictment. Agnifilo, while closing, portrayed his client as a man who had a drug problem with a swinger’s lifestyle. However, he said Combs was not a sex trafficker or guilty of racketeering.
Fox News reported that prosecutors argued Combs ran an alleged criminal enterprise with full control. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik reminded the jury it heard testimony, saw texts, viewed bank records and heard audio showing involving Combs and the alleged crimes.
Over several weeks, the jury has been shown explicit video evidence, heard from key witnesses and followed a detailed timeline of events laid out by Homeland Security investigators.
Juror dismissed
Straight Arrow News recently reported one juror was dismissed on June 16 after prosecutors said he failed to disclose he had moved to New Jersey with his girlfriend. During closed-door questioning, the juror claimed he stayed in the Bronx four to five nights a week but had earlier testified he lived there full-time with his fiancée and daughter.
Combs did not testify during the trial. His lawyers called no witnesses of their own. Agnifilo is Combs’ second attorney. Anthony Ricco requested to withdraw from the case back in February.
According to NBC News, Ricco did not provide a clear explanation for his departure. Citing attorney-client privilege, he stated in his official court filing, “Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs.”
Combs faces life in prison if convicted
Combs faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If convicted, the music mogul could face decades, or even life, in prison.
