Music mogul Sean Combs sentenced to more than four years in prison
Music industry titan Sean Combs was sentenced of just over four years behind bars on Friday after being convicted on charges connected to prostitution related to his past romantic interests.
Judicial Process
His legal team argued for a sentence of 14 months, saying their accused has changed after serving over a year in a New York detention facility, but the prosecution sought eleven years behind bars, citing his history of domestic abuse.
Along with government lawyers describing the abuse by Combs, the judge listened to a number of his kids, several weeping visibly; legal representatives who described him as inspirational; and ultimately, an contrite Combs in person.
In the end, The presiding judge said a lengthy incarceration was essential as a deterrent, and to deliver a clear signal.
Emotional Statement
Before the judge delivered the 50-month sentence, Combs spoke to the court - his first public words after the trial started.
Combs apologised to his victims, directly identifying his two ex-girlfriends, one former girlfriend, and the pseudonymous woman, who gave evidence using a fake name.
"My actions were disgusting, shameful, and sick," he stated. "I became consumed by extravagance, I became absorbed in my own pride."
He went on to apologise to his mom and his offspring.
"I'm so sorry. They deserved better," he stated, speaking about his seven offspring, the majority of which were in the court.
Afterwards he implored the judge for a second chance, stating he would never jeopardise time with his family again. "I seek clemency from the judge. I implore for forgiveness from the court," Combs stated.
"I have no one to fault except myself. I understand that I have gained wisdom from this experience."
Trial Details
During the approximately two-month federal case in the Big Apple, the prosecution alleged Combs of employing his public profile and vast corporate network to manage a unlawful operation and sex traffic his past romantic interests.
Government lawyers stated Combs engaged in sex trafficking through particular events, or encounters in which he would compensate male companions to engage sexually with his partners while he viewed and filmed.
The prosecution stated Combs forced the individuals into non-consensual sexual situations with substances and physical abuse.
At age 55, Combs was found not guilty in July of the most serious charges against him, conspiracy charges and sex trafficking of his two ex-girlfriends, the first woman and the second woman. He was judged responsible on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecution's Position
Through much of the morning session, The defendant showed a unemotional posture, sitting back in his seat and paying quiet attention as the prosecution alleged of ruining his victims' lives.
Government lawyer Slavik argued that the harsher sentence was more fitting for the severity of his actions. A less strict punishment would "let the defendant get away with years of domestic violence and mistreatment," she said.
"Today is about accountability and justice," she expressed.
Referencing accounts from those affected and testimony from Ms Ventura and Jane Doe that outlined domestic violence in their relationships with Combs, she brought to the judicial attention of photographs the judge viewed of the injuries sustained by the women they allege Combs produced.
"Financial gain wasn't his motivation, power was his driving force," the lawyer declared. "This individual represents a threat regardless of age."
Defense Arguments
However, the legal representation stated that The defendant cannot be classified as a pimp and that the prostitution charges on which he was found guilty did not apply. "All individuals in that role have one intensifying characteristic," expressed legal representative Driscoll. "They profit financially."
The judgment stemmed from the federal legislation, enacted in the early 20th century, which made illegal moving females for "the objective of commercial sex or debauchery, or for other unethical objectives." The main difference, the attorney stated, is financial gain, noting that Combs received no monetary advantage from the crimes.
The legal team depicted The defendant as transformed, outlining his beneficial actions at the detention facility in the New York borough where he remains detained and mentioning "untreated trauma and a ferocious drug addiction" as elements in his behavior.
"The defendant directly motivated me," defense lawyer Westmoreland stated to the judge, fighting back emotion. She talked about Combs establishing his own recording business and fashion enterprise, which she stated also motivated other African American businesspeople and artists.
After spending more than twelve months incarcerated, Combs was "remorseful", stated the attorney. "Judge, he understands, to put it plainly."
Family Testimony
Combs' children - some sobbing - also vouched for his transformation in detention. In possibly the most emotional part of the proceedings, one called him a "changed man" and a different one requested a "new opportunity" for his parent.
The defendant watched, looking like he was containing sentiment and occasionally burying his face in his hands.
"In front of you and in front of us is a changed man. He has evolved, something we haven't seen in 15 years," said Combs' son Quincy Brown.
His 18-year-old daughter, implored: "We can't watch our baby sister grow up fatherless the same way we grew up motherless... We implore the court to allow our family the possibility to mend."
Following this The judicial official acknowledged them, saying they would assist in his ruling.
Punishment Particulars
Combs will be granted consideration toward his four-year-plus incarceration for the close to thirteen months he has served in jail {before and