July 2, 2025 — New York City
A federal jury has reached a mixed verdict in the highly publicized case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, finding him guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, but not guilty on all sex trafficking and racketeering charges, including those related to accusers Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as Jane.
At 10:03 a.m., word of a verdict in U.S. v. Combs was confirmed after courtroom movement and a note from jurors. Prosecutors took their seats at the front table, while Combs—who had not yet been brought in—was still in a holding cell until 10:10 a.m., when he was escorted into the courtroom by U.S. Marshals. He was seated with his lawyers Brian Steel and Teny Geragos, while his family watched from the gallery.
Presiding Judge Arun Subramanian announced that a note from the jury had been received at 9:52 a.m., stating: “We have reached a verdict on all counts.” He instructed the courtroom to maintain order as the jurors entered.
Once inside, Juror Number Five confirmed the verdict was unanimous.
The reading of the verdict went as follows:
•Count 1: RICO: Not Guilty
Count 2: Sex trafficking of Casandra Ventura – Not Guilty
•Count 3: Transportation for prostitution (Ventura) – Guilty
•Count 4: Sex trafficking of Jane – Not Guilty
•Count 5: Transportation for prostitution (Jane) – Guilty
Following the verdict, Judge Subramanian thanked the jurors for their 10 weeks of service, praising their commitment and calling it “inspiring.” He then dismissed them for the final time, asking the media not to approach them regarding deliberations.
Combs’ lead attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman’s co-counsel Marc Agnifilo, immediately argued for his release:
“He is no longer charged with sex trafficking or racketeering. This is his first conviction, and it is a prostitution offense. He should be released,” said Agnifilo. He added that Combs’ family was present to sign a bond and proposed a $1 million bond, allowing travel to Florida, New York, and Los Angeles. He noted Combs’ private jet was in Maui and out of reach.
The prosecution, led by AUSA Comey, opposed release, citing concerns about flight risk and danger.
“Even while faced with this case, he assaulted Jane,” said Comey. “Here in NY, preparing to surrender, he had drugs in his hotel room, was ready to commit this same offense.”
The government emphasized that Combs faces up to 20 years in prison and referenced potential violence and drug use to be raised at sentencing.
Judge Subramanian said he would not make a bail decision immediately and requested letters from both sides by 1 p.m., adding:
“I’ll review the statutes… we’ll reconvene in the afternoon.”
Agnifilo closed with a promise:
“He would be a fool, which he is not, to violate any condition.”
This verdict marks a turning point in the case that has captivated the nation for months. Though cleared of the most severe allegations, the conviction on prostitution-related charges still carries significant consequences for the music mogul, whose sentencing date is expected to be announced later this week.
