Judge Sets October 3rd Date Following Split Verdict

Sean (Diddy) Combs will be sentenced on October 3rd, according to a judge's ruling. The decision came after probation officials rejected a proposal from both the defense and prosecution to move the sentencing date up by approximately two weeks.

During a brief virtual hearing, Combs, who remains incarcerated following a split verdict, spoke briefly with his lawyer. He requested that his lawyer turn on his camera so they could see each other.

Combs' legal team had been pushing for the sentencing to occur as soon as possible after the jury's decision. While he was acquitted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, he was convicted on two charges related to prostitution.

The 55-year-old faces a potential prison sentence of up to ten years for each of the two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. This included flying individuals, such as his girlfriends and male sex workers, for sexual encounters. A conviction on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy or sex trafficking could have resulted in a life sentence.

Before the hearing, both Combs' lawyers and the prosecutors submitted a joint letter suggesting a September 22nd sentencing date, pending approval from the U.S. Probation Office. Shortly after, a second letter was filed, confirming that all parties, including the probation office, agreed with the original October 3rd date proposed by the judge.

Combs received a standing ovation from fellow inmates upon returning to jail after the verdict. He will remain at the federal lock-up in Brooklyn, where he has been held since his arrest last September. The judge had previously denied his request for bail.

The judge has indicated his intention to hold Combs accountable for the violence and bullying behavior that was revealed during the eight-week trial. This decision was influenced by a video of Combs assaulting a former girlfriend and photographs documenting injuries to another ex-girlfriend.

Combs' lawyers are seeking a sentence shorter than the 21 to 27 months they believe the sentencing guidelines recommend. Prosecutors argue that, when properly calculated to include Combs' criminal actions and history of violence, the guidelines suggest a prison sentence of at least four to five years.

The final sentencing decision rests solely with the judge, who will have considerable discretion in determining the punishment. While judges often consider the federal guidelines designed to ensure consistency in sentencing, these guidelines are not mandatory.

As part of the sentencing process, Combs must participate in an interview with probation officers for a pre-sentence investigation report. This report will assist the judge in determining the appropriate sentence.