## Update on Sean Combs’ Trial
A jury recently reached a partial verdict in the trial of Sean Combs, focusing on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. While four of the five counts against him resulted in a decision, the jury remains split on the racketeering conspiracy charge. Deliberations will resume Wednesday at 9 a.m.
## Jury’s Deliberations
At around 4:05 p.m., the jury informed Judge Arun Subramanian that they had concluded their discussions on four charges but were divided regarding the conspiracy charge. The note indicated that some jurors held strong, opposing views.
Combs is facing five felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts related to sex trafficking of former girlfriends, and two counts concerning transportation for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
### Perspectives from the Prosecution and Defense
During the proceedings, both sides requested the jury to continue deliberating. However, they differed in their approaches. The prosecution sought a modified Allen charge—essentially an encouragement to conclude deliberations—while the defense felt such language was unnecessary at this stage.
In response, Judge Subramanian did not seem particularly influenced by either suggestion. He expressed doubts about the need for pressing the jury to continue deliberating and merely reiterated his original instructions.
## Judge’s Instruction on Deliberation
Before dismissing the jury for the day, Judge Subramanian urged them to “keep deliberating.” He reminded jurors of their responsibility to consult and discuss with each other to reach a collective decision, emphasizing that they should consider the evidence dispassionately.
### RICO Charge Requirements
To secure a conviction under the RICO Act, a jury must evaluate several elements. They must find that at least two individuals agreed to partake in criminal activities, that Combs was an active participant, that two predicate crimes occurred as part of this conspiracy, and that these actions had an impact on interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment lists eight potential predicate acts for the jury to deliberate on, including bribery, drug distribution, arson, food trafficking, and others.
### Closing Arguments
In her closing statement, prosecutor Christy Slavik presented evidence tied to each of the charges. She highlighted a situation where Combs allegedly bribed a hotel security guard with $100,000 to conceal a video showing him assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, in 2016. Slavik also suggested that forced labor might involve sex marathons allegedly imposed on Ventura and another former girlfriend.
On the other hand, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo challenged the racketeering charge by noting that only Combs was indicted. He pointed out that none of the witnesses claimed to have been part of an organized enterprise. Specifically addressing the arson charge linked to an alleged firebombing incident involving Kid Cudi, he dismissed it as cowardly behavior, asserting that Combs would have preferred a direct confrontation.
*This trial is ongoing…*
What are your thoughts on the developments in this case?
