Sean Diddy Combs Charged with Racketeering/Sex Trafficking
Sept 17, 2024 16:18:04 GMT
Sarzy, kittylady, and 1 more like this
Post by greysfang on Sept 17, 2024 16:18:04 GMT
Well, since CNN has this as a live update thread right now, this one is going to be long and weird.
Updates still coming.
Prosecutors allege Sean Combs created a "criminal enterprise" in wide-ranging indictment
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of creating and running a “criminal enterprise” through his business empire that for decades engaged and attempted to engage in crimes including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, according to a wide-ranging federal indictment released on Tuesday.
www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-nyc-09-17-2024/index.html
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of creating and running a “criminal enterprise” through his business empire that for decades engaged and attempted to engage in crimes including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, according to a wide-ranging federal indictment released on Tuesday.
www.cnn.com/entertainment/live-news/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-nyc-09-17-2024/index.html
Prosecutors allege Sean "Diddy" Combs businesses engaged in "sex trafficking" and "forced labor"
The three-count indictment alleges Sean “Diddy” Combs “engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern” of physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse “toward women and other individuals.”
The indictment also alleges that on numerous occasions from 2009 and on, he “assaulted women by, among other things, striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking them.”
The complaint alleges further that Combs used his various businesses and employees “to carry out, facilitate, and cover up his abuse and commercial sex.”
The Combs businesses, the complaint argues, attempted to engage in “sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.”
Prosecutors wrote that Combs was able to secure “absolute loyalty” from members of his businesses through “acts of violence and threats” and that the Combs Enterprise avoided detection for illegal activities through “acts of intimidation, manipulation, bribery, and threats of retaliation against individuals who witnessed the crimes committed by members and associates of the enterprise.”
The three-count indictment alleges Sean “Diddy” Combs “engaged in a persistent and pervasive pattern” of physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse “toward women and other individuals.”
The indictment also alleges that on numerous occasions from 2009 and on, he “assaulted women by, among other things, striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking them.”
The complaint alleges further that Combs used his various businesses and employees “to carry out, facilitate, and cover up his abuse and commercial sex.”
The Combs businesses, the complaint argues, attempted to engage in “sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.”
Prosecutors wrote that Combs was able to secure “absolute loyalty” from members of his businesses through “acts of violence and threats” and that the Combs Enterprise avoided detection for illegal activities through “acts of intimidation, manipulation, bribery, and threats of retaliation against individuals who witnessed the crimes committed by members and associates of the enterprise.”
Combs trafficked commercial sex workers for performances called "Freak Offs," indictment says
From CNN's Kevin Flower
The indictment against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs alleges he used his vast resources and business associates to “lure female victims” into his orbit “often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.”
It describes sex performances known as “Freak Offs” in which Combs allegedly organized the transportation of commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally. These events “occurred regularly, sometimes lasted multiple days, and often involved multiple commercial sex workers.”
Controlled substances were a regular part of the performances, according to the indictment, in part “to keep victims obedient and compliant.” The complaint says Combs kept videos of people having sex at the gatherings.
Prosecutors offer details on the sorts of supplies they say Combs required for these performances, which among other items included IV fluids, lubricants and lighting.
During these parties Combs is alleged to have “subjected victims to physical, emotional and verbal abuse.” Victims of his abuse, the complaint claims, were threatened with a loss of income or livelihood if they resisted participating in the parties.
From CNN's Kevin Flower
The indictment against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs alleges he used his vast resources and business associates to “lure female victims” into his orbit “often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.”
It describes sex performances known as “Freak Offs” in which Combs allegedly organized the transportation of commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally. These events “occurred regularly, sometimes lasted multiple days, and often involved multiple commercial sex workers.”
Controlled substances were a regular part of the performances, according to the indictment, in part “to keep victims obedient and compliant.” The complaint says Combs kept videos of people having sex at the gatherings.
Prosecutors offer details on the sorts of supplies they say Combs required for these performances, which among other items included IV fluids, lubricants and lighting.
During these parties Combs is alleged to have “subjected victims to physical, emotional and verbal abuse.” Victims of his abuse, the complaint claims, were threatened with a loss of income or livelihood if they resisted participating in the parties.
Combs "abused, threatened and coerced victims" from 2008 to present, New York US attorney says
From CNN's Antoinette Radford
US attorney for Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, speaks at a press conference outlining the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York on September 17.
US attorney for Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, speaks at a press conference outlining the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York on September 17. Shannon Stapleton
US attorney for Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, outlined the charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs for racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and interstate transportation for prostitution at a news conference Tuesday.
Williams said that “between at least 2008 and the present, Combs abused, threatened and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct.”
“Sean Combs led and participated in a racketeering conspiracy that used the business empire he controlled to carry out criminal activity, including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and the obstruction of justice,” he added.
This post has been updated with more on the charges against Combs.
From CNN's Antoinette Radford
US attorney for Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, speaks at a press conference outlining the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York on September 17.
US attorney for Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, speaks at a press conference outlining the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York on September 17. Shannon Stapleton
US attorney for Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, outlined the charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs for racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and interstate transportation for prostitution at a news conference Tuesday.
Williams said that “between at least 2008 and the present, Combs abused, threatened and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct.”
“Sean Combs led and participated in a racketeering conspiracy that used the business empire he controlled to carry out criminal activity, including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and the obstruction of justice,” he added.
This post has been updated with more on the charges against Combs.
New York US attorney: Combs' abuse resulted in injuries to victims which took "days or weeks to heal"
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ physical abuse to victims resulted in injuries that took “days or weeks to heal.”
Williams cited an incident that took place at a Los Angeles hotel that was reported on.
“Specifically, Combs kicked, dragged and threw a vase at a victim in a Los Angeles hotel when the victim was attempting to flee. As alleged, these assaults often resulted in injuries to the victims, which took days or weeks to heal,” he said.
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ physical abuse to victims resulted in injuries that took “days or weeks to heal.”
Williams cited an incident that took place at a Los Angeles hotel that was reported on.
“Specifically, Combs kicked, dragged and threw a vase at a victim in a Los Angeles hotel when the victim was attempting to flee. As alleged, these assaults often resulted in injuries to the victims, which took days or weeks to heal,” he said.
Diddy allegedly plied party drugs to victims during extended "Freak Offs"
From CNN's Eric Levenson
Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly gave victims a series of party drugs during extended sex performances he called “Freak Offs,” US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said Tuesday.
“As alleged, Combs used force, threats of force and coercion to cause victims to engage in extended sexual performances with male commercial sex workers, some of whom he transported or caused to be transported over state lines,” he said.
Combs allegedly planned and controlled the sex performances, which he called “Freak Offs,” and he often electronically recorded them.
“The ‘Freak Offs’ sometimes lasted days at a time, involved multiple commercial sex workers, and often involved a variety of narcotics, such as ketamine, ecstasy and GHB, which Combs distributed to the victims to keep them obedient and compliant,” he said.
From CNN's Eric Levenson
Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly gave victims a series of party drugs during extended sex performances he called “Freak Offs,” US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said Tuesday.
“As alleged, Combs used force, threats of force and coercion to cause victims to engage in extended sexual performances with male commercial sex workers, some of whom he transported or caused to be transported over state lines,” he said.
Combs allegedly planned and controlled the sex performances, which he called “Freak Offs,” and he often electronically recorded them.
“The ‘Freak Offs’ sometimes lasted days at a time, involved multiple commercial sex workers, and often involved a variety of narcotics, such as ketamine, ecstasy and GHB, which Combs distributed to the victims to keep them obedient and compliant,” he said.
"We are not done. This investigation is ongoing," New York US attorney says
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
The investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs is still ongoing, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said on Tuesday.
Williams said that his office “is determined to investigate and prosecute anyone who engages in sex trafficking not matter how powerful, wealthy or famous you may be. No one should doubt our commitment on that.”
Williams noted that Combs was given a key to New York City just last year, and has now been arrested and charged.
“We are not done. This investigation is ongoing and I encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward and to do it quickly,” Williams said.
Williams said that anyone with information can call 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.
The official thanked the witnesses and victims who have “used their voices and helped bring this criminal conduct to light. We would not be here without them.” He also thanked the agents who have helped on the case.
Asked by a reporter if there could be other charges brought related to this, Williams said, “I’m not taking anything off the table.”
This post has been updated with more details from Williams on next steps in the case.
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
The investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs is still ongoing, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said on Tuesday.
Williams said that his office “is determined to investigate and prosecute anyone who engages in sex trafficking not matter how powerful, wealthy or famous you may be. No one should doubt our commitment on that.”
Williams noted that Combs was given a key to New York City just last year, and has now been arrested and charged.
“We are not done. This investigation is ongoing and I encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward and to do it quickly,” Williams said.
Williams said that anyone with information can call 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.
The official thanked the witnesses and victims who have “used their voices and helped bring this criminal conduct to light. We would not be here without them.” He also thanked the agents who have helped on the case.
Asked by a reporter if there could be other charges brought related to this, Williams said, “I’m not taking anything off the table.”
This post has been updated with more details from Williams on next steps in the case.
Updates still coming.
