Jurors in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs have been instructed to deliberate for another day after being unable to reach a unanimous verdict on a racketeering charge.
Combs was charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Jurors were able to reach a verdict in the other charges but explained to a judge that there were some who were “unpersuadable on both sides” when it came to racketeering.
The jurors are expected back Wednesday to continue further deliberations, in hopes of reaching a verdict on that charge.
What is RICO?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law, or RICO, was passed in 1970. It allows prosecutors to issue criminal charges against multiple people or groups who commit related crimes over time for financial profit.
RICO was originally aimed at the Mafia, but prosecutors have used it to attack many forms of organized crime including street gangs, cartels, corrupt police departments and even politicians.
To violate the law, a person must engage in a pattern of racketeering activity connected to an enterprise. There are 35 offenses defined by the law as constituting racketeering, including gambling, murder, kidnapping, arson, drug dealing and bribery. To charge under RICO, at least two predicate crimes within 10 years must have been committed through the enterprise.
An “enterprise” is defined as including any individual, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity, and any union or group of individuals associated with the criminal activity. The criminal RICO statute provides for prison terms of 20 years and financial penalties.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
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