A scheduled hearing on Tuesday afternoon, intended to discuss Sean Diddy Combs' request for an earlier sentencing date, was unexpectedly adjourned. No arguments were presented, and no new date was set during the proceedings. Initially, both the defense attorneys and federal prosecutors had agreed to a sentencing date of September 22 for Combs, as detailed in a joint letter submitted prior to the remote hearing set for 2 p.m. ET.
However, just before the hearing commenced, the attorneys from both sides submitted another joint letter to Judge Arun Subramanian. This letter indicated that they had reached a consensus to revert to the judge's original proposed sentencing date of October 3. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo and prosecutor Christy Slavik were present during the scheduled teleconference when the courtroom deputy interrupted to inquire if there were additional matters to discuss beyond the sentencing date.
When both Agnifilo and Slavik confirmed that they had no further discussions, the deputy adjourned the hearing. It was communicated that Judge Subramanian would provide a written response to the parties involved. Consequently, the court docket now reflects that Sean Combs' sentencing is set for October 3. The reasons behind the defense's apparent withdrawal of their push for expedited sentencing remain unclear at this time.
Judge Subramanian had previously agreed to consider arguments for expedited sentencing following a split verdict delivered on July 2. In that verdict, Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges but was convicted on two counts related to prostitution. Last week, the defense argued in court that “exceptional circumstances” justified an expedited sentencing process. They cited the 2018 death of Combs’ romantic partner, Kim Porter, as a significant factor.
During the proceedings, Agnifilo highlighted the impact of Porter's passing on Combs' children, stating, “The mother of some of his children had passed away many years ago. These kids, the two daughters here sitting in the middle of your honor's second row, don't have a parent.” This emotional appeal was part of the defense’s argument for why Combs should receive a more immediate sentence.
On the other side, federal prosecutors appeared to resist any deviation from the standard legal process, which includes the preparation of a pre-sentence report by probation officials. This report typically necessitates an interview with the defendant. Prosecutor Maurene Comey argued that the only notable aspects of Combs' case were his wealth, history of violence, and lack of remorse. She emphasized the government’s intention to pursue a sentence of “significant incarceration” for Combs regarding the prostitution-related charges.
Combs currently faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, given that this is his first conviction, it is possible he may receive a lesser sentence. Any imposed sentence would account for the time he has already served, which totals approximately 10 months.
Combs' split verdict followed an extensive six-week trial where the prosecution called upon 34 witnesses, while the defense did not present any witnesses. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, deliberated for just over two days before reaching their verdict.
