The jury in the Sean Combs case has been deliberating since Monday. Around 5pm on Tuesday they informed the Judge that they had a verdict in every count but the RICO count.
What does that mean?
In our opinion, and we hate reading jury tea-leaves, it is not great for the defense. An acquittal is an acquittal. And the RICO count was the most far-reaching count, meaning that if the jury was acquitting Combs it would be the easiest count to reach a NG on. The fact that they are hung on this count, indicates to us that they have convicted him on at least some of the counts, but cannot get unanimity on the far-reaching RICO count.
All is not lost however. The verdict on the RICO count has significant consequences, including a 15 year min man, (and you know how much we hate min mans), and an exposure to a life sentence.
Our view on the evidence? It's complicated.
This was NOT a RICO case.
But Combs did a lot of things wrong, mostly using his power and wealth to manipulate vulnerable women. But these women entered into a consensual relationship, and remained despite being manipulated into very unpleasant sexual encounters. But where do we draw the line between culpability and complicity in a complicated relationship? It is a very hard line to draw.
If we were the judge and had unfettered power to sentence Combs, we would send him to prison. But for how long? Two years? Sure. Four? Yeah....Over five? That is a hard call. Combs used his power. But that is what powerful people do. And having wealth and power is not a crime. Using it to satisfy your prurient sexual interests is also not a crime until a line is crossed. And that line is consent, the age-old question in many sexual crimes.
This case is a tough one to unravel.
Your thoughts?
