Sean P. Diddy Combs is one of the most legendary figures in hip hop. Recent allegations have seriously damaged his reputation however, and he has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Mr. Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Fla. were raided by federal agents and Mr. Combs was stopped at a Miami area airport where federal agents confiscated his electronic devices. Subsequently he was arrested and is being held on Federal Charges.
Mr. Combs has faced a number of lawsuits and allegations related to sexual abuse and misconduct, including recent allegations from former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, whose stage name is Cassie. Last November Ventura filed a lawsuit accusing Mr. Combs of years of sexual and physical abuse. Ms. Ventura’s complaint detailed accusations of sex trafficking saying that Mr. Combs had forced Ms. Ventura to have sex with male prostitutes in front of him, and instructed her to use websites and escort services to find prostitutes. These so called “Freak Offs” are at the heart of the investigation and whether these encounters were consensual and whether violence and coercion took place.
Mr. Combs attorneys have criticized the raids of his home, calling them a “gross overuse of military-level force.” The March raid of Mr. Combs LA home by federal agents was televised to the world via news footage. Footage was shared by the mother of one of Mr. Combs sons of agents pointing guns at his sons Justin and Chistian.
Mr. Combs’ LA mansion is currently on the market and his reputation has fallen apart, leading to the collapse of several brand relationships and partnerships.
Sean “P.Diddy” Combs is the latest high profile figure to fall victim to allegations of sex trafficking. In recent years, prosecutors have turned to sex trafficking and racketeering laws to prosecute alleged sexual abuse and misconduct. The “Me Too” movement has led to many women coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse. The most well-known case of recent times is that of R. Kelly, who was convicted on charges of racketeering and violations of the Mann Act, which involves transporting a person for the purposes of criminal sexual activity. These convictions are leveraged by prosecutors to send a message that law enforcement is taking the sexual abuse of women and minors seriously.
If you or someone you know is being investigated by federal agents on alleged sex trafficking or racketeering charges, it’s extremely serious and immediate action is advised. Prosecutors are skilled at establishing a case to convict the accused on these charges. Events that were alleged over a number of years could be tied together by prosecutors seeking to establish a pattern that fits the charges.
Federal sex trafficking charges can lead to prison sentences of up to life imprisonment, especially if the victim is a minor or if force, fraud, or coercion is involved. Racketeering laws are primarily enforced under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which targets organized crime and can lead to sentences of up to 20 years per count and substantial fine. There may also be forfeiture of any property obtained through the alleged activities. At Dhar Law, LLP, our attorneys have decades of experience defending federal crimes and sex crimes in court. We have built robust cases for clients that confront the most serious allegations and shield our clients from the worst consequences for their career, reputation and family life. Please contact us at 617-880-6155 to speak to a member of our experienced Boston sex crimes defense team.
