Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, is set to stand trial on Monday for racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution charges. He formally rejected a plea deal offered by the government, which would have spared him a prolonged prison sentence.
Combs faces decades in prison if convicted. A guilty plea would have reduced his potential prison time compared to a trial conviction on all counts, potentially resulting in a life sentence. Maurene Comey, an assistant US attorney, stated that a plea deal would be more beneficial for Combs than a trial outcome.
The charges allege Combs coerced women into prolonged sexual encounters. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 5, with opening statements planned for May 12.
Combs was arrested last year after being charged in a sex trafficking indictment that accuses him of being the ringleader of a criminal enterprise. He has faced multiple superseding indictments and has pleaded not guilty to additional charges.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/sean-diddy-combs-rejects-plea-deal-ahead-sex/story?id=121371141