Judge Denies Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Request for Release Ahead of Sentencing

A US judge denied Sean "Diddy" Combs' (right) request to be released from jail on July 2 ahead of his sentencing, after the music mogul was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, but found guilty of lesser prostitution-related offenses.

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NEW YORK —

At a hearing in Manhattan federal court hours after the verdict was read, US District Judge Arun Subramanian said Combs must remain in federal lock-up in Brooklyn for now, given the ample evidence presented at trial of violent acts he had committed.

"It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger," Mr. Subramanian said.

The verdict was overall a win for Combs, a former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture.

The 12-member jury unanimously convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. It acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking two of his former romantic partners: the rhythm and blues singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane.

Prosecutors acknowledged in a court filing that federal sentencing guidelines appeared to recommend a maximum sentence of 51⁄4 years. Combs' lawyers argued that two years would be the outer limit.

After the verdict, Combs knelt before his chair and appeared to pray. He then rose and faced the courtroom gallery.