Sean ‘Diddy” Combs could face over 20 years behind bars if found guilty on charges revealed in a three-count indictment unsealed early this morning.
Arrested last night by federal authorities at a NYC hotel, the ‘Missing You’ rapper is formally charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
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“For decades, SEAN COMBS, a/k/a “Puff Daddy,” a/k/a “P. Diddy,” a/k/a “Diddy,” a/k/a “PD,” a/k/a “Love,” the defendant, abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct,” declares the just unsealed indictment against the much accused producer and performer.
“To do so, COMBS relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled–creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, the filing from the U.S. Attorney Damian Williams’ office adds.
Read the federal indictment against Sean Combs in its entirety here
In language very similar to the swath of sexual assault and other lawsuits against Combs in the past several months, the indictment alleges that Combs used drugs, violence and career advancement in the music industry to induce and control his victims, entourage and others. The rapper also seemingly used shame and blackmail to keep people from speaking out. “The sensitive, embarrassing and incriminating recordings that he made during Freak Offs as collateral to ensure the continued obedience and silence of the victims,” the unsealed indictment says.
Combs is currently being arraigned in a Manhattan courtroom. Combs is expected to enter a plea of not guilty, according to his lawyer. “He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might and the full confidence of his lawyers,” attorney Marc Agnifilo said outside the federal building this morning.
As well as facing time a federal prison, self-proclaimed billionaire Combs could be looking a serious financial hit. The government intend to seize “any and all property, real and personal” and unspecified “sum of money” from the alleged crimes, the indictment states.
After what I’m told by a law enforcement source was “months and months of investigation by coordinating agencies,” Combs’ arrest on September 16 is directly related to the raids that took place earlier this year at the rapper’s Los Angeles and Miami homes.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has scheduled a press conference for 8:30 am PT to discuss Comb’s arrest and the indictment.
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