Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Lawyers Slammed the Judge’s Sentence as ‘Totally Inconsistent’ With Verdict
A judge sentenced Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 months in prison, a decision that his lawyers have criticized. Combs’ lawyers pushed for a sentence of 14 months behind bars, while the prosecution hoped for 11 years. Combs’ lawyers slammed the judge’s decision, saying it didn’t seem fair given the verdict.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers aren’t happy with his sentence
In July, a jury found Combs guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced him to 50 months in prison on Oct. 3. Combs’ lawyers have found this ruling so objectionable that they are considering an appeal.
“The jury made it very clear in their verdict that they acquitted him of the sex trafficking and the RICO counts,” his attorney, Teny Geragos, told ABC News. “Not guilty means not guilty.”
Combs faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the charges against him. Still, his lawyers do not think the ruling was fair.
“That was totally inconsistent with the jury verdict. The Judge acted as a 13th juror,” said attorney Alexandra Shapiro. “The sentence was driven by the conduct the jury rejected. The jury acquitted Mr. Combs of any coercion.”
If the judge had sentenced Combs to 14 months, he would have been able to leave prison on Friday with time served.
Judge Arun Subramanian explained why he sentenced Combs to 50 months in prison
Combs’ lawyers insist that their client is a changed man following his year in jail. Subramanian wasn’t as sure.
“The court is not assured that if released, these crimes would not be committed again,” he said.
He said he hoped that the sentence would send a firm message that “violence against women is met with real accountability.”
He also acknowledged the courage of Combs’ former partners, Cassie Ventura and Jane, who testified anonymously.
“Jane and Cassie Ventura have been through abuse and trauma we couldn’t imagine,” he said, per NBC News. “I can only say your families are proud of you and your children will be proud of you for coming to the court to tell you what really happened. You weren’t just talking to the jury, you were talking to the women who feel powerless.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers also hope to have him placed at a low-security prison
Combs’ lawyers have reportedly been seeking a pardon from Donald Trump. In the event that they do not secure one, they hope that Combs will carry out his sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security prison in New Jersey.
“On behalf of Mr. Combs, we respectfully request that the Court strongly recommend a designation facility to the Bureau of Prisons in Mr. Combs’ Judgment,” wrote his attorney, Teny Geragos, per Deadline. “In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we request that the Court strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix for RDAP purposes and any other available educational and occupational programs.”
