Diddy's Verdict

The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial has reached a verdict on four out of five counts against the hip-hop mogul, but they are stuck on the top charge of racketeering conspiracy.

After just two days of deliberations, the partial decision remained under wraps. Prosecutors, Combs' defense team, and Judge Arun Subramanian reasoned that it was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts. So rather than taking a partial verdict, Subramanian told the jury to continue weighing the remaining charge.

The developments came late Tuesday afternoon when the jury sent a note saying they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge because there were jurors with "unpersuadable views" on both sides.

But in less than 13 hours of deliberations, the jury did reach a verdict on two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The latter concerns allegations of arranging to fly women and sex workers across state lines.

If there is a conviction, the sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The outstanding charge, racketeering conspiracy, carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Combs appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him after hearing about the jury note. He then faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss, and tapped his heart before leaving the room.

Jurors are weighing charges that Combs used his fame, wealth, and violence to force two girlfriends into drug-fueled sex marathons with male sex workers known as "freak-offs" or "hotel nights."

He has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers contend prosecutors are trying to criminalize Combs' swinger lifestyle and that, if anything, his conduct amounted to domestic violence, not federal felonies.