Latest news with #RICOAct
Black America Web
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Famous Figures Who Beat RICO Charges — Including Diddy
Source: Getty / Sean 'P Diddy' Combs Sean 'Diddy' Combs just dodged the biggest legal bullet of his life. In a ruling that dropped today, he was cleared of federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges tied to a sweeping RICO case. He was convicted on lesser counts, but the racketeering charge was the headline. And now, he joins a very exclusive group: public figures who've managed to beat the feds on RICO. If that sounds rare, it is. The RICO Act was designed to dismantle organized crime and criminal enterprises. Once the government charges you under RICO, they've usually spent years building the case. That's why beating it is such a tall order—and why it's national news when someone walks. Diddy's not the first, though. Murder Inc. co-founder Irv Gotti beat federal money-laundering and RICO charges tied to drug money. So did John Gotti, the so-called 'Teflon Don,' who beat multiple RICO trials before his eventual conviction. You've also got names like Jackie DiNorscio, a mob figure who famously represented himself in court—and won. And in the world of hip-hop, 6ix9ine avoided full conviction by flipping, taking a plea deal, and testifying. Whether it's music, mob ties, or viral trials, RICO cases make headlines because they're built to stick. But these 10 figures all found ways—some clean, some controversial—to walk away. And yes, Diddy's name now sits on that list. Diddy Verdict: Not Guilty On 3 Counts; Guilty On 2 Suge Knight Addresses Diddy's Sex Trafficking Trial: 'Tell The Real Truth, And Bring Everybody Accountable' Here Are Some Notable Moments Of Black Culture In 2025 10 Famous Figures Who Beat RICO Charges — Including Diddy was originally published on DJ Drama and Don Cannon were hit with RICO charges in 2007 after an Atlanta raid seized over 80,000 mixtapes. But remarkably, they beat the charges and never served prison time. Partially cleared: acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, convicted on lesser prostitution counts in 2025.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sean 'Diddy' Combs verdict explained: What are the charges, why was he acquitted, and what next
Sean 'Diddy' Combs will stay behind bars after a federal jury found him guilty on two counts of transporting women for prostitution . He escaped convictions for sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy — the charges that could have brought a life sentence. The verdict came late Wednesday in a Manhattan courtroom after seven weeks of trial and about thirteen hours of jury debate. The mixed outcome has stunned the music industry and left Combs's legacy in deep trouble. What prosecutors alleged Prosecutors painted Combs as more than just a music mogul. They claimed he ran Bad Boy Records and other businesses like a crime ring — using fame and cash to cover up a dark side that included sex trafficking, bribery and intimidation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Xu hướng tủ lạnh 2025: Chọn lựa thông minh với giá cả hợp lý LocalPlan Tìm Ngay Undo Under the federal RICO Act , they argued Combs operated a 'criminal enterprise' for years. But the jury did not see enough proof of an organised pattern of crimes. The women's stories At the heart of the trial were disturbing claims from two women — singer Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and a woman known only as 'Jane'. Live Events Ventura told the jury she suffered repeated abuse. She described being raped by Combs in 2018, beaten in hotel corridors — CCTV from 2016 showed him dragging her down a hallway — and forced into drug-fuelled 'freak-offs' with paid male escorts while Combs watched and filmed. Ventura's mother paid Combs $20,000 to stop complaints about her daughter seeing rapper Kid Cudi, who himself testified. Scott Mescudi, known to fans as Kid Cudi, said Combs once broke into his home and later his car was torched with a molotov cocktail. 'Jane' told the court she too was forced into humiliating sex acts while Combs threatened to leak videos or pull financial support. A former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard said she saw Combs hit Ventura. Another ex-employee claimed Combs forced her to go to Kid Cudi's house with him, threatening to kill the rapper. Why the Jury split the verdict Despite the graphic details, jurors cleared Combs of sex trafficking. US law demands proof that the women were forced, tricked or threatened into commercial sex acts — the bar for that is high. Instead, they found him guilty on charges that he transported both women across state lines for prostitution. These counts did not need proof of coercion — only that he arranged the travel for paid sex. Judge refuses bail After the jury spoke, Combs's lawyers tried to get him out on bail. They argued it was his first conviction and not as severe as the charges he beat. Judge Arun Subramanian refused. 'It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,' Judge Subramanian said in court. Prosecutor Maurene Comey argued: 'He's an extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper who has shown no remorse.' Jane had told the court Combs attacked her again in June 2024 — even while under investigation. After the judge dismissed the jury, Combs knelt down in the courtroom. Then he stood, turned to family and friends and said: 'I'm gonna be home soon. I love you. Thank you. I love you.' The words drew cheers from his supporters. Outside court, his lawyer Marc Agnifilo told reporters: 'It's a great victory for Sean Combs, it's a great victory for the jury system.' But this victory is only partial. Each count of transporting for prostitution carries up to ten years. The defence wants a lighter sentence — just two years — but prosecutors plan to push for the maximum. Sentencing and what's next Judge Subramanian has set 3 October as the sentencing date but might bring it forward. Combs's legal team will fight for bail again before then. His troubles do not end here. He still faces civil suits, including one from Ventura that settled last year for $20 million. Douglas Wigdor, Ventura's lawyer, said she 'paved the way' for the conviction. Once, Sean Combs was the face of hip-hop's rise. Bad Boy Records signed huge names like Notorious BIG. His parties were legendary — some all-white galas, others, prosecutors said, turned into 'freak-offs' where paid sex workers were forced to perform. Today, that empire has cracked. His music royalties, liquor brands and clothing line may not survive public backlash and cancelled deals. He is no longer the aspirational symbol he once was — but a man waiting in a cell for a judge's final word.
Mint
02-07-2025
- Mint
What does 'racketeering' mean? One of the main charges Sean 'Diddy' Combs faced explained
Sean "Diddy" Combs secured a partial victory in his high-profile federal trial after a jury acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. The music mogul, who faced life in prison if convicted of those counts, was instead found guilty on two lesser charges of transporting people for prostitution. Prosecutors had argued Combs ran a criminal "enterprise" using his Bad Boy Entertainment empire to coerce women into drug-fueled "freak-off" parties with male escorts. But jurors rejected the racketeering claim, the trial's most contentious charge, after deadlocking Tuesday amid "unpersuadable opinions." Legal experts suggest jurors likely didn't see Combs' staff as co-conspirators in a mafia-style operation, a key requirement under the RICO law. Racketeering charges under the RICO Act require proving a pattern of at least two crimes within 10 years by a structured criminal group. Originally designed to combat the mafia, like convicting Gambino boss John Gotti, RICO has since been applied to cases ranging from R. Kelly's sex trafficking ring to FIFA bribery scandals. Prosecutors claimed Combs' team facilitated crimes like kidnapping, arson, and obstruction. But the jury's acquittal suggests they saw Combs as a "sole individual" rather than the leader of an organized enterprise. Legal analyst Lorraine Gauli-Rufo notes RICO cases demand massive resources to untangle complex criminal webs, and the high bar for proof often leads to overreach. The verdict may chill future trafficking prosecutions against powerful figures. Despite the acquittals, Combs isn't walking free. He faces up to 10 years per prostitution count under the Mann Act, an anti-sex-trafficking law. Prosecutors seek a 5-year sentence, citing guidelines, while his defense argues for just 2 years. A judge will decide his fate later this year. Immediately after the verdict, Combs knelt in prayer and thanked jurors, but prosecutors urged he remain jailed until sentencing, calling him a danger to victims. The trial exposed brutal details: Surveillance video showed Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a 2016 hotel attack, and witnesses described him bribing staff $100,000 to hide evidence. Though cleared of the worst charges, Combs' reputation lies in tatters, and his remaining legal battles include multiple civil lawsuits.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
P Diddy trial sees partial verdict as jury remains divided on racketeering charge tied to sex trafficking accusations
A jury in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs has returned a partial verdict, reaching decisions on four of the five charges against him. The panel remains split on the racketeering conspiracy charge, with jurors reporting "unpersuadable views" on both sides after two days of deliberation. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to continue deliberations rather than settle for a partial outcome so early in the process. Deliberations will resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, in Lower Manhattan. The Racketeering conspiracy charge and what it means The unresolved racketeering charge falls under the federal RICO Act, which is typically used in cases related to organized crime and drug cartels. Prosecutors allege that Combs used his fame, resources, and influence to coerce and exploit women for sex, while concealing abusive behavior through a broader 'enterprise.' P Diddy | Credit: X To convict Combs on this charge, jurors must determine whether he managed a racketeering operation and participated in related offenses such as kidnapping or arson. Combs' defense team contends that prosecutors are wrongly criminalizing his lifestyle, arguing that his conduct does not amount to federal crimes. If convicted on this count, Combs could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Testimony from Cassie Ventura plays key role Jurors asked to review key testimony from Combs' ex-girlfriend, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura. She testified about several incidents, including an alleged assault at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016, captured on security footage, and an incident during the 2013 Cannes Film Festival where she claimed Combs kicked her off a yacht and threatened to release explicit videos. The jury also asked to revisit her account involving dancer Daniel Phillip, who testified that Cassie appeared terrified after a confrontation with Combs between 2012 and 2014. Combs faces five charges in total: Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy Count 2: Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion (Victim 1: Cassie Ventura) Count 3: Transportation to engage in prostitution (Cassie Ventura and others) Count 4: Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion (Victim 2: Jane Doe) Count 5: Transportation to engage in prostitution (Jane Doe and others) Counts two and four carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years and a maximum of life. Counts three and five carry a maximum sentence of ten years. Juror disagreements and legal clarifications During deliberations, the jury requested clarification on what constitutes drug distribution, a relevant issue under the racketeering charge. One note from the foreperson raised concerns about a juror's ability to follow the judge's legal instructions. Judge Subramanian reiterated that all jurors are expected to deliberate fairly and base decisions strictly on evidence and law. With one charge unresolved, Diddy's trial continues to unfold as the jury navigates serious allegations under federal law.
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Jury Deadlocked on Racketeering in Diddy Trial, Deliberations Continue: Watch Live
Jury deliberations in the high-profile federal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs entered their third day Wednesday after jurors reached a partial verdict on four of five criminal counts. The panel told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian they remain deadlocked on the most serious charge—racketeering conspiracy—citing "unpersuadable opinions" among jurors. Combs, who has denied all allegations, faces life in prison if convicted on that count. The trial, which has drawn national attention, centers on allegations of sex trafficking, coercion, and abuse spanning two decades. The jury's inability to reach a unanimous decision on the racketeering charge raises the possibility of a mistrial on that count, though deliberations continue. What to Know: Combs faces five federal charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The jury has reached consensus on four charges but remains split on the racketeering count, which requires proof of at least two predicate crimes under the RICO Act. Witnesses included singer Cassie Ventura and rapper Kid Cudi. Jurors requested transcripts of Ventura's testimony describing alleged assaults and threats by Combs. Jurors sent multiple notes to the judge, including questions about drug distribution and specific incidents involving Combs. No Allen charge has been issued yet. A conviction on the racketeering charge could result in a life sentence. The other charges carry significant prison terms, including a 15-year minimum for sex trafficking. Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
