Prosecutors Push for More Than 11 Years Behind Bars for Sean “Diddy” Combs
Federal prosecutors are urging a Manhattan court to hand music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs a lengthy prison term following his conviction on prostitution-related offenses earlier this year.
In a sentencing recommendation filed Tuesday, prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to impose at least 135 months in custody — just over 11 years — along with a $500,000 fine.
The judge is scheduled to announce the sentence on Friday.
Combs, 55, was found guilty on July 2 of two counts involving the transportation of men across state borders to perform sex acts with his partners.
Prosecutors said the encounters were fueled by drugs, with Combs directing, filming, and gratifying himself while watching.
Jurors cleared him of more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, which carried a possible life term.
In their memo, federal lawyers described Combs as “violent” and “abusive,” saying his conduct left women terrified.
They argued that even though he escaped conviction on the heaviest allegations, the circumstances surrounding the crimes for which he was convicted demand a severe response.
“The defendant admitted to physically assaulting Ms. Ventura during their relationship,” prosecutors wrote, claiming the punishment should mirror years of “unchecked brutality” and long-lasting emotional damage.
Defense attorneys countered with a request for a far lighter term — about 14 months — which could result in Combs’ release by the end of the year, given time already served at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his September 2024 arrest.
They criticized the government’s position as “draconian” and accused prosecutors of trying to ignore the jury’s partial acquittal.
Combs was arrested in September 2024 on multiple federal counts, including racketeering and sex trafficking. His trial began in May and concluded in July with a mixed verdict: acquittal on the most serious charges but conviction on the two transportation counts related to Ventura and another woman.
Judge Subramanian will determine Combs’ fate during Friday’s hearing in Manhattan federal court.
