For those involved in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ‘freak offs’, charges bring investigation and uncertainty – Boston Herald

Richard Winton | (TNS) Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES – Sean “Diddy” Combs promoted himself for decades as one of hip-hop’s godfathers, a celebrity who transformed the genre and became an estimated $1 billion company.

But that status now takes on new meaning as federal prosecutors have charged him in a sweeping sex abuse racketeering case that threatens to put others close to him under scrutiny.

The authorities are pursuing him with the same racketeering laws that brought down the likes of John Gotti and James “Whitey” Bulger. He is in a cell in a prison in Brooklyn, where many gangsters know it well.

Combs has been the subject of an in-depth federal investigation since early this year and was arrested in New York on Monday. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday after prosecutors unveiled their indictment against Combs, charging him with sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering. They alleged that Combs had abused women at so-called “freak off” parties. Combs has denied all allegations.

“They are treating this case very much as a gangster case … and articulating the different roles that different people played in supporting the conspiracy,” said Louis Shapiro, who defends clients in federal criminal proceedings.

Prosecutors are keeping quiet about where exactly the case is headed. But they called out employees and associates for helping Combs and often covering up for him.

“If I were a celebrity participating in one of Combs’ freak-offs, I would be shaking in my boots. At best, they are witnesses in a case that is very likely to go to trial. At worst, they are co-suspects,” said former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani.

50 witnesses, 300 arrest warrants

Shapiro said the government has interviewed more than 50 witnesses and issued 300 arrest warrants and that it is clear this is far more than the word of the dozens of women who have accused Combs of sexual abuse in a lawsuit filed since last fall. when his ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a lawsuit and Combs settled within 24 hours with a significant payout.

Several witnesses who worked with Combs have met with federal prosecutors, and at least one sex worker is expected to testify in a possible grand jury proceeding, according to sources familiar with the investigation. As to whether others will be charged or if more charges will follow, prosecutors say it remains active.

“I can’t take anything off the table. Anything is possible,” Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in announcing the charges. “Our investigation is very active and ongoing.”

Assistant. U.S. Atty. Emily Johnson reminded both judges in court last week of the threat Combs poses to witnesses.

‘Freak-offs’ and cover-ups

Combs is accused of using his entertainment empire to lure female victims and using violence, coercion and drugs to get women to participate in freak offs, elaborate sex performances that are often recorded and have sometimes lasted for days since 2009. Prosecutors allege the music icon’s business network was ultimately about furthering his criminal behavior.

Because of the threats of violence and concerns that their financial support would be withdrawn and sensitive recordings would be distributed, “the victims did not believe they could refuse Combs without jeopardizing their safety or facing increased abuse,” Williams said.

The “Combs Enterprise,” as the government calls it, consisted of Combs, the leader; business entities; his record label Bad Boy Entertainment; and its employees and relations.

In a civil lawsuit against Combs last year, at least one top executive named his “Ghislaine Maxwell,” Jeffrey Epstein’s sidekick who is serving 20 years for supplying the women the late mogul sexually abused.

Prosecutors have not named any other targets in the investigation and provided few details about where it might go next.

But legal experts expect more names to emerge — either as defendants or as witnesses at Combs’ trial.

Parallels with the mafia?

Former LA prosecutor Dmitry Gorin said prosecutors are trying to paint a picture of Combs as a top extortionist who sent orders to subordinates. Combs has denied this. But if true, this scheme would be similar to several high-profile mob prosecutions of the past.

And those cases often revolved around lieutenants turning on their bosses.

“Who is (Salvatore) ‘Sammy the Bull’ Gravano here?” he asked, referring to the Mafia enforcer who turned on his boss Gotti.

“Today he doesn’t know who to trust, apart from his lawyers,” Gorin said.

Combs’ legal problems had been piling up for months. In civil lawsuits, several women have accused Combs of rape, sexual assault and other abuse dating back three decades. One of the allegations involved a minor. Combs’ lawyers note that federal prosecutors have not alleged his conduct involved minors, such as disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly, who is serving 30 years for racketeering and sex trafficking.

However, the Kelly case could provide a road map for this prosecution, legal experts say. In that case, many key employees testified against the artist, along with several victims.

Over the years, use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, has increased. has been expanded. It is often used against gangs ranging from the Mexican Mafia to the Crips in South LA. Racketeering cases have also been filed against rappers with ties to street gangs, including Young Thug, Kay Flock, Casanova and Fetty Wap.

A shocking video, but also questions

A shocking video is expected to be a key piece of evidence in any trial. In an incident captured on surveillance video, Combs’ former girlfriend, Ventura – identified in the criminal complaint only as Victim One – is seen running down the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel before Combs catches up to her, punches her repeatedly and throws a vase at her .

Marc Agnifilo, a Combs attorney, said his client struggled with drug addiction and anger issues, and went to rehab after the 2016 episode that was captured on a hotel security camera, like the woman in the video, and that they were in love.

But he insists there is no larger plan and that those who participated in the sex described by prosecutors did so consensual. “I believe he is innocent of the charges, and I believe he will go to trial, and I believe he will win,” he said. Agnifilo said he wants a trial as soon as possible.

Prosecutors said the video, first broadcast by CNN in May, showed a woman trying to escape forced sex with Combs and a paid sex worker. They said Combs tried unsuccessfully to silence one of the hotel’s security guards with a bribe and that the recording disappeared from the hotel server a few days later. They also said Combs threatened two other victims with the release of videos of them if they cooperated with authorities.

The complaint does not name any of Combs’ alleged victims, but it includes allegations made by Ventura in a lawsuit settled last year and in several lawsuits by other women and a male producer.

Agnifilo said Ventura filed a lawsuit last fall after her lawyer’s conversation with a Combs attorney to buy the rights to her tell-all book for $30 million. According to him, it points to a financial motive. Combs declined the deal, he said. But a settlement was reached within a day of the lawsuit being filed.

Agnifilo said: “Mr. Combs is a fighter. He will fight this to the end…. He came to New York to establish his innocence. He is not afraid, he is not afraid of the charges.”

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