Audio By Carbonatix
A federal judge on Tuesday said Sean "Diddy" Combs will be sentenced on October 3 after the music mogul was convicted on charges of transporting prostitutes to engage in drug-fueled sexual performances.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who oversaw Combs' trial in Manhattan, approved the date following a request from Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo.
Prosecutors and probation officers agreed to the date.
Combs, 55, remains in the Brooklyn jail where he has been held since his arrest last September, even though jurors cleared him of the most serious charges he faced.
Jurors acquitted Combs on July 2 on sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life. They convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The mixed verdict was viewed widely as a disappointment for prosecutors, while Combs and his supporters expressed jubilation.
Prosecutors accused Combs of coercing two former girlfriends, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane, into unwanted sex with male sex workers, aided by his employees.
A third woman who testified under the pseudonym Mia told jurors Combs sexually assaulted her multiple times during her employment with him.
Combs pleaded not guilty to all five counts he faced.
His lawyers will file their sentencing recommendation by September 19, with prosecutors likely to follow a week later.
Prosecutors have said Combs could face 51 months to 63 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, while the defense has said the same guidelines suggested a two-year sentence.
Subramanian is not required to follow the guidelines, and either side may propose different terms. The defense will have until July 30 to ask the judge to set aside Combs' conviction.
Combs founded Bad Boy Records, and is known for having elevated hip-hop in American culture as he turned artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars.
He still faces dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Combs has denied all wrongdoing.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana should join BRICS as partner, not member – NPP Bono East Regional Secretary
19 seconds -
Ghana High Commission warns nationals in South Africa over protests in Johannesburg, Durban
25 seconds -
Mahama praises Roads Minister for keeping Big Push contractors on their toes
6 minutes -
World Cup Visa Scandal: ‘My client has not collected money for visas’ – Ampofo Ankrah’s lawyer
18 minutes -
US immigration officials defend ICE agents who shot man in same car as child
27 minutes -
Commentator Katie Zacharia picked as new White House press secretary
30 minutes -
Drone strike by Sudan paramilitary kills 41 near Ethiopian border, rights group says
37 minutes -
King warns malicious online actors are evolving tactics
44 minutes -
Several injured as Saudi capital airport reportedly hit again
47 minutes -
Christa Pike discharged from hospital and returned to prison, her lawyers say
49 minutes -
Ghana’s BRICS move requires clear strategy to manage risks – Godfred Bokpin
3 hours -
Pay teachers realistic income – Duncan Amoah to gov’t
3 hours -
Bechem to become chicken capital of Ghana – Mahama projects
3 hours -
Mentapulse Africa’s Health and Labour Summit calls for better working conditions to retain skilled professionals
3 hours -
Two-week strike will not derail academic calendar – GNAT President
3 hours