Federal prosecutors have expanded the indictment in opposition to Sean “Diddy” Combs, including two new prices that additional allege his involvement in intercourse trafficking as not too long ago as final 12 months.
The superseding indictment, filed on Friday, accuses the Unhealthy Boy Information founding father of utilizing pressure, fraud, or coercion to compel a lady—recognized as Sufferer-2—to interact in industrial intercourse acts from 2021 to 2024. It additionally claims that Combs transported Sufferer-2 and others, together with industrial intercourse staff, for the aim of prostitution throughout the identical interval.
These newest prices convey the full quantity in opposition to Combs from three to 5. He was initially indicted on racketeering conspiracy and intercourse trafficking prices when he was arrested in September.
READ ALSO: Assault lawsuit in opposition to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs dismissed after plaintiff didn’t reveal identification
Presently held in a federal jail in Brooklyn, the 55-year-old music mogul is ready to face trial on Might 5. His arraignment on the brand new prices has but to be scheduled, although prosecutors have requested it’s held throughout his closing pretrial convention on April 25. His representatives are but to make a remark following the brand new prices.
Watch a latest episode of the Make Your Mark podcast under and subscribe to our channel PanaGenius TV for contemporary episodes.
That is the second superseding indictment filed in opposition to Combs. The primary, in January, outlined allegations involving no less than three ladies whom prosecutors say he pressured into industrial intercourse acts. It additionally included claims that Combs as soon as brandished a firearm at a feminine sufferer throughout a kidnapping and, in one other occasion, dangled a lady over a balcony.
Whereas the January indictment didn’t add new prices, it prolonged the alleged racketeering conspiracy’s timeline by 4 years, now courting it again to 2004 as an alternative of 2008.
Combs has denied all allegations and pleaded not responsible to the unique prices, which accuse him of orchestrating a years-long sample of coercion and abuse with the assistance of associates. Prosecutors say his community used intimidation, blackmail, and violence—together with kidnapping, arson, and bodily assaults—to silence victims.
READ ALSO: What’s subsequent for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs after his not responsible plea to the most recent indictment?
A central piece of proof within the case is a March 2016 video displaying Combs hitting and kicking his then-girlfriend, Cassie, in a Los Angeles resort hallway. Prosecutors assert that the assault came about throughout one in all Combs’ so-called “Freak Off” occasions—drug-fueled, orchestrated sexual encounters involving feminine victims and male intercourse staff.
His authorized group has pushed again in opposition to the case, arguing that the allegations distort consensual relationships. They’re actively searching for to dismiss a cost associated to Combs allegedly transporting a male escort throughout state traces.
“The federal government has concocted a legal case primarily based totally on allegations that Mr. Combs and two of his longtime girlfriends generally introduced a 3rd occasion—a male escort—into their sexual relationship,” his lawyer, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, wrote in a February courtroom submitting.
Shapiro additional argued that “every of the three prices within the case are premised on the idea that this kind of sexual exercise is a federal crime.”
READ ALSO: Girl withdraws civil lawsuit alleging rape by Jay-Z and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs at age 13
