Diddy indictment accuses music mogul’s staff of keeping lubricant, baby oil stocked for ‘freak-offs’
NEW YORK (KTTV) - The morning after music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was taken into custody by Homeland Security agents following an indictment by a grand jury, court documents obtained by FOX 11 reveal he was hit with three federal charges.
Combs was charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
In the 14-page document, Combs is accused of turning his business empire into a criminal enterprise, allowing the Bad Boy Records founder and his associates to engage in sex trafficking, sex labor and other crimes.
In an update Tuesday, Attorney Damian Williams Jr. of the Southern District of New York said the "scope and complexity isn’t something that we ran from, it’s something we embrace."
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The grand jury has been taking testimony from several of his accusers over the last couple of months. They voted to indict him on Monday and his arrest at the luxury Park Hyatt in Manhattan came soon after. As of Tuesday morning, Diddy remains in federal custody.
"This office is determined to investigate and prosecute anyone who engages in sex trafficking, no matter how powerful, or wealthy or famous you may be," Williams said.
Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo said his client is not guilty of all charges and that his client voluntarily came to New York to start the case.
The arrest comes after a series of sexual assault allegations against Combs. The indictment lists the defendant as Sean Combs and his stage names "Puff Daddy", "P. Diddy", "Diddy", "PD "and "Love." It details several shocking allegations that mirror what was detailed in previous lawsuits filed by Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones and Danity Kane's Dawn Richard.
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Combs still faces potential litigation in several civil suits and one criminal lawsuit.
Diddy Faces Allegations Against Ex, Cassie Ventura
Diddy began swirling in legal trouble in November after his ex, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit alleging rape and abuse. The lawsuit was settled the following day.
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In the wake of the scandal, video was released of Diddy allegedly assaulting then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at a Los Angeles area hotel in 2016.
Diddy then released an apology video and shortly after, Cassie's lawyer called the apology "disingenuous.'
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Williams said that a member of the hotel security staff attempted to intervene. Diddy was accused of bribing the staff member with a stack of cash to "make sure what happened was kept quiet."
Diddy Raids
Sean "Diddy" Combs. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Diddy began swirling in legal trouble in November after his ex, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit alleging rape and abuse. The lawsuit was settled the following day.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and singer Cassie settle lawsuit alleging rape, abuse
Around this time, Williams alleged that Diddy and others "pressured witnesses and victims to stay silent, including by making phone calls to witnesses and victims and giving them a false narrative of what they experienced."
In late March, FOX 11 was the first to break the story when Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by Homeland Security agents in connection to a sex trafficking investigation. Authorities remained tight-lipped about the case and said the following:
"Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Diddy's LA home raided by Homeland Security
The day after the raids, Diddy's attorney, Aaron Dyer, released the following statement to FOX 11:
"Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way. This unprecedented ambush -- paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence -- leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name."
On Tuesday, Williams confirmed some of the items seized from Diddy’s properties included firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices that contained images and videos of multiple victims. In addition, federal investigators found lubricant and baby oil that his staff reportedly used to stock hotel rooms for the "freak-offs."
"We are committed to bringing justice to everyone who has been victimized by the defendant," Williams said.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, there is help available. Talk to highly trained anti-trafficking advocates at the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, or by texting 233733.