What is Racketeering? Diddy found not guilty in serious allegation

Diddy's infamous federal sex trafficking charges have come to an end, with the rapper being acquitted of grave charges like sex trafficking and racketeering.

Following a criminal trial that spanned seven weeks and 34 witness testimonies, Sean Combs, 55, has been cleared of charges that would have sentenced him to life behind bars, including two counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering conspiracy.

However, he has been found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Following his September arrest, he had pleaded not guilty to all charges levied against him.

For the unversed, racketeering conspiracy, also known as "directing an illegal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)," was initially crafted to deal with mob bosses and their hold on cities.

They would engage in organized crimes and operate illegal activities under the guise of legitimate businesses, the BBC has reported. If convicted, this charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Over the years, however, it has been used in sex trafficking trials as well, including Diddy and R&B singer R. Kelly’s cases.

The latest developments in Diddy's case explored as rapper awaits sentencing

According to the BBC, the verdict in the case against the Bad Boy Records founder, 55, was reached after 13 hours of deliberating, involving 12 jurors. As of this writing, the presiding judge, Arun Subramaniam, has yet to decide if he will let the rapper go home on bail. This decision is expected to come in by 13:00 EST (18:00 BST).

Several outlets have reported that moments after the verdict was announced, Combs got down on his knees and joined his hands, as if he were praying. Members of his family seated in the gallery jolted from their seats with happiness as they cheered him on with rounds of applause. He then stood up and faced them before telling them he loved them, as some of them were seen wiping tears from their eyes.

Combs' defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has been rallying for the rapper's release on bail, asserting that he would not violate any of the accompanying guidelines and conditions. He also pointed out that this was his first conviction.

However, prosecutors have been opposing this motion, as they urged the presiding judge to keep Diddy locked up until his sentencing. As of this writing, it remains unclear when Diddy's sentencing will be. The judge has given the prosecution and defense teams time to present their arguments against or in favor of releasing Combs.

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.

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