Jury selection begins Monday after Sean Combs rejects plea deal

NEW YORK (Gray Media) - Jury selection in the trial of rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to begin Monday selection in New York. Combs is facing federal charges that could put him behind bars for life if he is convicted. After rejecting a plea deal Thursday, the rap mogul is taking his chances with a federal judge and jury in New York City as he faces five charges relating to sex trafficking and racketeering.

Combs maintains his innocence after a federal indictment alleged Combs would host parties that included so-called “freak-offs”, when Combs allegedly forced women to perform intimate acts, often under the influence of drugs.

Prosecutors say he used his vast business empire to create a criminal ring that led to sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, obstruction of justice among other crimes. If he is found guilty by a jury of his peers, Combs could spend the rest of his life in jail. Jury selection in high-profile cases can take longer as both sides try to find impartial jurors who feel they can judge fairly.

Opening arguments are set to begin on May 12. The trial is expected to last eight weeks including testimony from a number of high-profile witnesses.

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