Judge Rejects Sean Combs' Request for New Trial Ahead of Mann Act Sentencing
Sean Combs’ legal team faced a critical blow this week as a federal judge rejected their request for a new trial or acquittal ahead of the music mogul’s October 3 sentencing. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled against Combs following an extensive review of the evidence presented in the high-profile federal Mann Act case involving Combs' ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and a pseudonym-protected witness identified as “Jane.”
Sean Combs’ request for a new trial was denied as his October 3 sentencing proceeds on federal Mann Act convictions tied to Cassie Ventura and others.
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The ruling comes after an eight-week trial that concluded on July 2 with a partial guilty verdict. Combs was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. He was acquitted of more serious sex-trafficking and racketeering charges.
In a 16-page opinion and order entered into the federal docket, Judge Subramanian emphasized the volume and consistency of the evidence, including witness testimony, electronic communications, and corroborating accounts from involved escorts. “The government proved its case many times over,” he wrote.
On September 25, Combs returned to federal court for a brief hearing in New York City, where his defense argued for a retrial. They cited claims of prejudicial evidence and attempted to reposition elements of the case as protected under First Amendment rights. Judge Subramanian found the arguments unconvincing, noting that jurors had declined to convict on several inflammatory counts, undermining the defense’s prejudice claims. “A new trial is not warranted,” the judge concluded.
With the legal path now clear, Combs is set to be sentenced as scheduled. Federal prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 11 years and three months in prison along with a six-figure fine. The defense, led by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, is seeking a significantly reduced sentence of 14 months with time served, which could potentially see the 55-year-old released before the end of the year.
Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024. His time in detention has included teaching business courses to fellow inmates, according to court records.
The case has been marked by multiple layers of complexity, including Combs’ repeated failed attempts to secure bail, each of which Judge Subramanian denied based on the nature of the charges and risk factors. Most recently, Combs’ legal team requested that he be allowed to wear non-prison clothing to his sentencing hearing, a request initially denied due to procedural issues but later granted with specific clothing restrictions outlined by the judge.
A new civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by Combs’ former stylist, Deonte Nash, adds further legal pressure. The 37-page complaint alleges years of abuse, sexual harassment, forced labor, and trafficking during Nash’s decade-long employment under Combs. Nash previously testified during the criminal trial, stating he was compelled to appear under subpoena. His statement following the lawsuit filing claimed Combs had “never taken accountability for the years of harm he inflicted.”
In response, Combs’ legal counsel labeled the new allegations as opportunistic, maintaining that the lawsuit contradicted existing trial records. Erica Wolff, one of Combs’ attorneys, characterized Nash’s claims as false and part of a pattern of individuals attempting to profit from their associations with the defendant.
As preparations for Friday’s sentencing continue, legal teams on both sides are expected to finalize statements and presentations. Combs will be permitted to address the court, and Judge Subramanian has approved his request to appear in court-appropriate attire, including a button-down shirt, sweater, pants, and laceless shoes.
Amid speculation about potential political interference, particularly suggestions of a pardon from former President Donald Trump, no such action has materialized. The case, overseen by prosecutors including the recently dismissed Maurene Comey—daughter of former FBI Director James Comey—has also drawn broader political attention.
Court operations are expected to proceed uninterrupted this week despite the looming possibility of a federal government shutdown. The sentencing hearing will take place at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Manhattan.
