For decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs promoted himself as one of the godfathers of hip-hop, a celebrity who changed the genre. and became the business projected to reach the top billion dollars,
But the situation is now taking on a different meaning after federal prosecutors revealed He has been accused of widespread sexual abuse A racketeering case that threatens to lead to an investigation into others in his class.
Authorities are pursuing him with the same racketeering laws that took down guys like John Gotti and James “Whitey” Bulger. He sits in a cell in Brooklyn The jail where many dacoits are well known.
Combs has been the subject of an extensive federal investigation.E At least since the beginning of the year and was arrested in New York on Monday. She pleaded not guilty Tuesday after prosecutors unsealed their indictment against Combs, charging her with sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering. They alleged that Combs abused women during so-called “freak off” parties. Combs has denied any wrongdoing.
Lewis Shapiro, who defends clients in federal criminal proceedings, said, “They are treating this case like a mobster case… and articulating the various roles played by various people in supporting the conspiracy.”
Prosecutors are keeping quiet about where the case is headed next. But he called on staff and associates to help Combs and often covered for him.
“If I were a celebrity who participated in one of Combs’ freak offs, I would be shaking in my boots. At best, they are witnesses in a case that is very likely to go to trial. In the worst-case scenario, they are co-defendants, said former federal prosecutor Nema Rahmani.
50 witnesses, 300 warrants
Shapiro said the government has interviewed more than 50 witnesses and served 300 warrants, and it’s clear that’s far more than the words of the dozen or more women who accused Combs in the lawsuit filed since last fall. When his ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, Combs settled with a significant payout within 24 hours.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, several witnesses who worked with Combs have been in meetings with federal prosecutors, and at least one sex worker is to testify in potential grand jury proceedings. As to whether others will be charged or further charges will be filed, prosecutors say it will remain active.
“I can’t take anything off the table. Anything is possible,” Damien Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in announcing the indictment. “Our investigation is very active and ongoing.”
Endure. US Atty. In court last week, Emily Johnson reminded both judges of the threats Combs posed to witnesses.
‘Freak Off’ and cover up
Combs is accused of using his entertainment empire to lure female victims and, since 2009, using violence, coercion and drugs to coerce women into participating in eccentric, elaborate sexual displays that were often recorded and sometimes -Sometimes they would walk for several days. Prosecutors allege the music icon’s business network was ultimately about furthering his criminal conduct.
Due to threats of violence, concerns that their financial support would be withdrawn and that sensitive recordings would be disseminated, “victims did not believe they could refuse Combs without risking their safety or facing more abuse. Are,” Williams said.
The “Combs Enterprise”, as the government calls it, included the leader, Combs; professional organizations; His record label Bad Boy Entertainment; and its employees and affiliates.
In the civil lawsuit against Combs last year, at least one top executive named his “Ghislaine Maxwell,” an assistant to Jeffrey Epstein, who is serving a 20-year sentence for supplying those women. Who was sexually exploited by the deceased Mughal.
Prosecutors have not named any other targets in the investigation and provided few details about where it might go next.
But legal experts expect more names to come forward – either as defendants or as witnesses in Combs’ trial.
Parallel to the crowd?
Former L.A. prosecutor Dmitry Gorin said prosecutors were trying to paint the image of Combs as a top racketeer who sent orders to subordinates. Combs has denied this. But if true, the arrangement would be similar to several high-profile mob prosecutions of the past.
And those cases often depended on lieutenants attacking their masters.
“Who is (Salvatore) ‘Sammy the Bull’ Gravano?”. he asked, referring to the mob enforcer who attacked his boss Gotti.
“These days, he doesn’t know who to trust except his lawyers,” Gorin said.
Combs had legal troubles. Months in the making. In civil lawsuits, multiple women have accused Combs Rape, assault and other abuse, Three decades of dating. one of the charges involved Minor. Combs’ attorneys noted that federal prosecutors have not alleged that any of his conduct impersonated disgraced R&B singer R. Including minors like Kelly, who is serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking.
However, legal experts say the Kelly case could be a road map for this prosecution. In that case, several victims as well as several key associates testified against the artist.
Over the years, the use of Racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations ACT, or RICO. has expanded. It is often used against gangs ranging from mexican mafia To Crips of South LARacketeering cases have also been registered against rappers associated with street gangs. young thug, herds of, casanova, And fetty wap
Shocking video, but also questions
A shocking video is expected to be a key piece of evidence in any trial. In an incident captured on security video, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Ventura – who is identified only as the victim in the indictment – was held at an InterContinental before Combs grabbed her, repeatedly assaulted her, and threw a vase at her. Is seen running through the hotel hallway.
Combs’ attorney, Mark Agnifilo, said his client struggled with drug addiction and anger problems, and had gone to rehab after a 2016 episode captured on hotel security cameras, as did the woman in the video. , and they were in love.
But he insists there was no larger scheme and that those who participated in the sex described by prosecutors did so consensually. He said, “I believe he is innocent of the charges and he will stand trial and I believe he will win.” Agnifilo said he wants a trial as soon as possible.
Prosecutors said the video, which was first aired by CNN in May, shows a woman trying to escape forced sex with Combs and a paid sex worker. He said Combs tried unsuccessfully to silence a hotel security guard by bribing him and that the recording disappeared from the hotel’s servers a few days later. They also said Combs had threatened to release videos of two other victims if they cooperated with authorities.
The indictment does not identify any of Combs’s alleged victims by name, but includes allegations made by Ventura in a lawsuit settled last year and in multiple lawsuits by other women and a male producer.
Agnifilo said Ventura filed the lawsuit last fall after his attorney discussed with Combs’ attorney a deal to buy the rights to his entire book for $30 million. He said this points to a financial motive. Combs rejected the deal, he said. But a settlement was reached within a day of the lawsuit being filed.
“Sir,” Agnifilo said. Combs is a fighter. He will fight this to the end… He came to New York to prove his innocence. He is not afraid, he is not afraid of allegations.”
