What’s the Minimum Amount of Time Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Could Spend in Prison if Convicted?
Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering. Authorities arrested the music mogul in Sept. 2024, and he has resided in New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center since. If convicted, Combs could face life in prison. What’s the minimum amount of time he could find himself behind bars?
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs could face years in prison if convicted
Prosecutors have charged Combs with five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty and denies all of the charges against him.
If the jury finds Combs guilty, he could face up to life in prison. Per the Justice Department, racketeering and sex trafficking carry maximum sentences of life in prison. Transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Combs’ sex trafficking charges carry a minimum sentence of 15 years. Therefore, if convicted on all charges, Combs faces at least 15 years in prison.
Suge Knight once said Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs doesn’t have to worry about prison time
Combs’ longtime rival, Suge Knight, believes the mogul will not actually spend that much time behind bars. Knight expressed his belief that Combs would dodge conviction.
“I still feel that Puffy’s gonna be all right and have a fair shot at it, because Puffy didn’t — he’s not a dummy,” Knight said on NewsNation’s “CUOMO.” “I’m quite sure somebody’s going to talk to those jurors and convince one or two of them — that’s all you need, is one. So, at the end of the day, it’s going to be a real exciting situation, but I think he’s going to be all right.”
Knight believes Combs has little to worry about even if he is convicted. He thinks Donald Trump will pardon Combs.
“I think he got some favors with the government,” Knight said, adding, “I think they’re going to show him a little leeway. It might not seem like it when it’s all said and done, but I don’t think he had nothing to worry about. I don’t think he’s worried, because he’s going to be federal. And if he gets convicted, Trump’s going to pardon him.”
Knight could be right. Combs’ team is reportedly cozying up to Trump officials in order to secure a pardon.
He also faces a number of separate lawsuits
Outside of his ongoing trial, Combs faces a number of civil lawsuits. Since Nov. 2023, over 70 lawsuits against Combs have been filed. These lawsuits relate to his “freak offs,” business practices, and romantic relationships.
The civil lawsuits highlight incidents that date back to the early 1990s. A number of the alleged victims have chosen to remain anonymous as a way to protect themselves from potential backlash.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
