Overview
- Combs’s lawyers moved to vacate the two Mann Act convictions or secure a new trial, arguing the statute does not cover the conduct and invoking First Amendment protections.
- Prosecutors urged the court to let the verdict stand, saying the law bars transporting women for prostitution and alleging Combs drugged and moved women across state lines for sexual events.
- Judge Arun Subramanian heard arguments on September 25 in Manhattan and reserved decision, promising a prompt ruling.
- A July jury verdict acquitted Combs of trafficking and RICO charges but found him guilty on two prostitution-related counts.
- Sentencing remains scheduled for October 3, with a statutory maximum of up to 20 years; the defense seeks an effective 14-month term as Combs remains held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.