
How Much Time Will Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Spend in Prison? R. Kelly Prosecutor Doesn’t Think He’ll Get ‘Anywhere Near’ the Maximum Sentence
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial is over, but he is still behind bars awaiting his prison sentence. A jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted him on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of ten years, meaning Combs could go to prison for a maximum of 20 years. An attorney doesn’t think his sentence will get anywhere near this amount of time, though.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will likely not get anywhere near the maximum prison sentence
After Combs, his defense team, and the prosecution heard the verdict, prosecutor Maureen Comey pushed to keep him behind bars until he receives his sentence. He could, based on the verdict, spend two decades in prison.
“The maximum sentence the defendant faces is 20 years in prison under the two statutes of which he’s been convicted now,” Comey said, per Business Insider.
According to former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, however, this lengthy of a sentence is highly unlikely. Combs is a first-time offender, which Judge Arun Subramanian will take into consideration.
“Even though the Mann Act carries a potential 10-year maximum sentence, Diddy is going to get time served or close to it,” Rahmani said. “His sentencing guideline range may be as low as 15-21 months.”
Prosecutors indicated that they think Combs should spend roughly five years in prison. His attorneys will push for a sentence closer to two years. Combs will also receive credit for time served.
Nadia Shihata, a former US attorney who prosecuted R. Kelly, said it seems unlikely that Subramanian “will give him anywhere near 20 years.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will remain in jail until he gets his prison sentence
Though Combs’ lawyers pushed for him to leave jail until his sentencing, Subramanian sided with the prosecution.
“This type of violence, which happens behind closed doors in personal relationships, sparked by unpredictable bouts of anger, is impossible to police with conditions,” he said. “Having conceded the defendant’s propensity for violence in this way, it is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger to any other person or the community.”
Combs and his family reportedly appeared to find this ruling disappointing. The sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for Oct. 3.
He spoke to his family as he left court
As Combs left the courtroom, he briefly exchanged words with his family.
“I’ll see you when I get out,” he said, per AP, and, “We’re going to get through this.”
He also told his gathered family members to “stay strong.” Combs also specifically addressed his mother.
“Mama. I love you,” he said. “Stay strong.”
Though the judge denied Combs bail, the defense has viewed the end of the trial as an overall victory for them. Combs also appeared overwhelmingly relieved after hearing the verdict.