Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy
The government charged Combs with violating the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations conspiracy act by conspiring with a “criminal enterprise” to carry out a pattern of illegal behavior.
Prosecutors accused Combs of running a criminal enterprise, comprised of his staff and associates, to commit crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, bribery, arson, and obstruction of justice since at least 2008.
This was done, according to the government, so Combs could abuse, threaten and coerce women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desire while also protecting his reputation by concealing his behavior.
RICO laws were created in 1970 to prosecute people involved in organized crime, such as Mafia members.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison – the most severe punishment out of any of the charges.
Explaining the charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Because count I is the most serious of all the charges IMO. The RICO statute (conspiracy/racketeering)
That is the one Count the government would most like to see a guilty verdict on.
Each of the charges against Combs carries a potential prison sentence. He can be found guilty or not guilty of one, some or all the charges.
ETA I think the defense is banking on their client receiving Not Guilty verdict across the board.