Throughout his pretrial listening to on Could 1, embattled hip-hop icon Sean “Diddy” Combs formally rejected a plea deal provided by federal prosecutors that may have decreased his jail time if convicted. The choice comes simply days away from the mogul’s intercourse trafficking trial, which can start on Could 5.
Based on USA Immediately, Combs—who will head to trial on Monday to dispute prices of racketeering, conspiracy, coercion, intercourse trafficking and prostitution—advised Decide Arun Subramanian, “Sure I do, your honor,” when the court docket official requested him to make clear if he can be rejecting the federal government’s plea provide. Previous to asserting his resolution, Combs seemed to be in good spirits, hugging his regulation group and grinning earlier than the court docket proceeded with the listening to.
Whereas the precise phrases of a possible plea deal weren’t disclosed, Assistant U.S. Lawyer Maurene Comey advised ABC Information on Could 1 that pleading responsible would have considerably decreased the jail time Sean “Diddy” Combs may face in comparison with being convicted at trial on all prices. If discovered responsible on all counts, Combs may face a life sentence.
Jury choice for Combs’ intercourse trafficking trial will start on Monday and final for as much as three days, USA Immediately famous.
Right here’s What Will Occur Throughout Jury Choice
Attorneys plan to display as much as 150 potential jurors, with every questionnaire anticipated to take 20 to half-hour. Regardless of the tight schedule, federal prosecutors are assured the method can keep on observe. They’ve indicated that reaching the complete pool of 150 will not be mandatory if they will establish 45 certified jurors early within the course of. Jury choice within the Combs case is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. on Monday, Could 5. Each side could have till Could 8 and 9 to arrange for opening statements, that are set to start on Could 12.
As beforehand reported, Combs entered a not responsible plea to prices of racketeering, conspiracy, and intercourse trafficking. Prosecutors allege that Combs, with the help of associates, engaged in a sample of coercion and abuse spanning a number of years, utilizing threats, violence, and blackmail to intimidate and silence his victims, allegedly each men and women.
Diddy’s authorized group seems to be getting ready a protection primarily based on alleged diminished psychological capability. Based on court docket paperwork obtained by TMZ, legal professionals for the “Final Evening” hitmaker are gearing as much as current skilled testimony from a Columbia College professor claiming that Diddy was affected by a “psychological situation” on the time of the alleged crimes. Whereas the specifics of the situation are redacted, prosecutors be aware the protection is tied to Diddy’s alleged historical past of substance abuse, together with drug and alcohol use, which will have impaired his reminiscence or judgment.
