After a nearly two-month run,Sean "Diddy" Combs'criminal trialinches closer to the end as the jury continues to deliberate on the hip-hop mogul'slegal fate. The 12-person group − made up of eight men and four women − will return to Manhattan court after deliberations began in the sweeping federal sex-crimes case on June 30. The five alternate jurors were told to remain on standby in case they're needed to fill in. Jurors, under the guidance of Judge Arun Subramanian, have been tasked with determining Combs' culpability in carrying out alleged crimes that span charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. In his instructions to the jury, Judge Subramanian, who called jurors "the sole and exclusive judges of the facts," emphasized that the group must decide the outcome of Combs' case solely on the evidence presented in trial, namely testimony from over 30 witnesses and various court exhibits detailing the alleged events involving Combs. "The rulings I have made during the trial are not any indication of my views of what your decision should be as to whether or not the guilt of the defendant has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt," said Subramanian, according to a copy of jury instructions obtained by USA TODAY. "You are to perform the duty of finding the facts without bias or prejudice as to any party." Combs, 55, wasarrested in Septemberfollowing a sex-trafficking investigation that included a raid of his homes by federal authorities, as well as a subsequent criminal indictment. He haspleaded not guiltyto the charges brought against him. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. As jury deliberations continued into the afternoon on June 30, jurors sent a question to the judge about how they should assess thedrug distribution allegationagainst Combs. Subramanian will get an answer to the jurors this morning, as they had already adjourned for the day on Monday and returned to their homes. The jury asked Subramanian on June 30 for guidance about one juror who they warned may not be able to follow the judge's instructions about the law. Their note, which Subramanian read aloud in open court, read in part, "We have a juror, number 25, who we are concerned cannot follow your honor's instructions." Juror No. 25 described himself during jury selection on May 5 as a 51-year-old veterinarian who lives in Manhattan with his domestic partner, a freelance graphic designer. The note did not elaborate on which instructions the juror potentially cannot follow. After discussing the note with prosecutors and defense lawyers, Subramanian said he would send a note back to the jury reminding them of their obligations but take no further action for now. Discover WITNESS:Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more On June 30, Combs could be seen putting on glasses and looking directly at the jury box as they received instructions. He leaned back in his chair, legs crossed. Combs' family was seated in the front row, and his daughters could be seen whispering to each other. No, a verdict has not yet been reached in Combs' criminal case. After more than a month of harrowing testimony from several of Combs' associates, the prosecution rested its case on June 24. Meanwhile, Combs' lawyers rested their case in less than half an hour, with the defense opting not to call any witnesses to the stand. Closing arguments concluded June 27. Although the music mogul's alleged abuse is at the center of the trial, Combs told the court he would not be testifying. The disgraced music mogul is in custody, and despite repeated attempts at bail,has remainedconfined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn'sMetropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested inSeptember 2024and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed attargeting multi-person criminal organizations,prosecutors allegethat Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in"freak offs"— sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. Contributing: USA TODAY staff This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial updates: Jury resumes deliberations in Sean Combs' case
