Sean “Diddy” Combs as his high-profile racketeering and intercourse trafficking trial involves a detailed.
On June 24, prosecutors introduced in a letter that they’d not pursue fees associated to tried kidnapping, tried arson, and aiding and abetting intercourse trafficking, Fox Information studies. The choice comes as closing arguments within the trial are about to start.
“The Authorities understands the Court docket’s want for streamlined directions. With that in thoughts, the Authorities has prompt methods to streamline these directions,” the letter learn. “Particularly, the Authorities has eliminated directions from the cost regarding (i) tried kidnapping below each California and New York legislation, (ii) tried arson below California legislation, and (iii) aiding and abetting intercourse trafficking. The Authorities is not planning to proceed on these theories of legal responsibility, so directions are not needed.”
The identical day the prosecutors dropped the costs, the prosecution and Combs’ protection concluded their circumstances after six weeks of testimony. The protection didn’t name any witnesses however offered proof they stated highlights inconsistencies within the testimonies.
Earlier than formally resting their case, Combs’ authorized crew filed a movement for a judgment of acquittal, with lawyer Alexandra Shapiro arguing that the federal government failed to supply enough proof to assist the costs in opposition to the rapper.
“There’s, at finest, skinny proof any of the opposite staff participated,” Shapiro stated whereas additionally noting that “there isn’t any proof any of them believed he was intercourse trafficking.”
Combs’ protection crew and prosecutors are set to finalize jury directions on Wednesday. Closing arguments within the case in opposition to the embattled music mogul are anticipated to span everything of Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27. Jury deliberations may begin as early as June 30.
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