CHIKUN/KAJURU REP, HON. FIDELIX BAGUDU, ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE. (PHOTO).
Federal prosecutors are urging a judge to sentence Sean Combs to at least 11 years in prison when he appears for sentencing on Friday, following his conviction on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution. In a memo submitted to the court, prosecutors argued that Combs, despite being acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, has shown no remorse and left victims living in fear. They said the punishment must reflect not only the crimes of conviction but also the abusive and violent circumstances in which they were carried out, particularly against Cassie Ventura, who was seen in hotel surveillance footage, bloodied and bruised. Prosecutors described Combs’ conduct as part of “decades of unchecked violence” and lasting psychological, emotional, and physical harm inflicted on those around him.
Defense attorneys sharply disagreed, calling the recommendation “draconian” and arguing it essentially disregards the jury’s verdict. They asked for a far more lenient sentence, closer to the time already served. Prosecutors attached letters from multiple victims and witnesses to underscore their recommendation, including Ventura and a former employee named Mia. Ventura urged the judge to recognize the strength it took victims to come forward and to impose a sentence that acknowledges the lives Combs has damaged. Mia’s letter pleaded for a sentence that would honor the truth and provide hope, protection, and justice. “Please, your Honor,” she wrote, “you have the power to show us, the world, and the future that our lives, our voices, our truth, and our humanity matter.” The final decision will rest with the judge, who must weigh both sides’ arguments in determining Combs’ punishment.
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