Latest news with #RacketeerInfluencedandCorruptOrganizationsStatute
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Which charges does Sean 'Diddy' Combs face – and could he go to prison?
NEW YORK – The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is drawing to a close, as jurors retreat to deliberate the potential legal undoing of a one-time media and music titan. Combs, whose label Bad Boy Records anointed him a king-maker in the world of hip-hop, was toppled from on high in September, when authorities arrested him on federal charges, alleging he was helping run a criminal sex trafficking operation. Combs also faces a torrent of civil suits painting the music mogul as a longtime abuser. Many of the civil cases came after a quickly-settled lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine − who alleged Combs raped and assaulted her. Ventura Fine was one of the prosecution's star witnesses in Combs' federal trial. Now, as the music mogul awaits a verdict behind bars, here's a look at the charges he faces. 'Coercive control' is the phrase you won't hear about at the Diddy trial. Why it's still important. What federal charges does Diddy face? Combs is charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. Federal authorities claim Combs turned his "multi-faceted business empire" into a "criminal enterprise" in which he and his associates engaged in kidnapping, arson and physical violence, sex trafficking and forced labor, among other alleged crimes. Diddy faces same charge that brought down mob bosses. What is racketeering? A superseding indictment filed April 3 – the third revised indictment following an amended indictment in January and a superseding indictment in March – added two additional counts to the three from his original charging: one of sex trafficking and one of transportation to engage in prostitution. Throughout the trial, prosecutors probed Combs' former employees and romantic partners on how he facilitated "freak offs," the dayslong sex parties at the center of the case. The line of questioning, which looped in the purchase of flights, drugs and copious amounts of baby oil, was aimed at showing that Combs' behavior amounted to criminal conspiracy. Lawyers for the music mogul contested that argument, painting him as a swinger whose sexual proclivities and drug-fueled lifestyle should not be on trial. What is racketeering? Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO. It has historically been used against gangs as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute multi-member organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs." When dismissed for deliberations, Judge Arun Subramanian advised jurors that the racketeering charge in this case has eight elements: kidnapping, arson, bribery, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, sex trafficking, witness tampering, forced labor and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. In order for them to find Combs guilty of this particular charge, the jury needs only to agree that he is responsible for two of the eight elements, the judge said. What civil cases does Diddy face? The federal charges against Combs echo some of the allegations in the more than 70 civil lawsuits filed against him. The claims of sexual abuse, drugging and physical assault span three decades, and include the lawsuit filed by Ventura Fine in November 2023 through to the most recent suit in June. Diddy's star-studded parties were cultural extravaganzas: Inside the White Party Could Sean Combs go to prison? Yes. If convicted on the racketeering charge, Combs could face life in prison, while the statutory minimum sentence for sex trafficking is 15 years and for transportation to engage in prostitution is a maximum of 10 years. A mixed verdict – convicted on some, but not all charges – could add up to any number of years. Is Diddy in jail? The disgraced music mogul is already in custody, and, despite repeated attempts at bail, has remained confined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024, but was allowed to sit in on his trial, and given clothing other than the typical orange jumpsuit while the proceedings went on. Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Gina Barton, Aysha Bagchi, Josh Meyer, KiMi Robinson, Edward Segarra, Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Jurors in Sean Combs case prepare for verdict deliberations
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial are heading back to court as they prepare to deliberate on a verdict for the embattled hip-hop mogul. The 12-person jury, which has heard graphic testimony on Combs' alleged abuses from more than 30 witnesses, gathered again in Manhattan court on June 30 following the completion of closing arguments from Combs' attorneys on June 27. The defense took about five hours for closing arguments, with Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo framing the case as a "tale of two trials." He argued the case is about love, jealousy and money, not trafficking or racketeering, and accused the government of putting on a show to target a wealthy celebrity. Agnifilo claimed prosecutors distorted the Grammy-winning rapper's consensual sexual "lifestyle" into criminal acts while witnesses spoke of the "successful Black entrepreneur" as a respected and generous figure. Meanwhile, prosecutor Maurene Comey returned to the floor to present the government's rebuttal, focusing on previous remarks on Combs' former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine: "Mr. Agnifilo suggested Cassie was the winner of a prize. Black eyes? A gash in her head? Getting urinated in her mouth? How could anyone think that's a prize? That's ridiculous." Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more What is racketeering? Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' attorneys plead with jurors in closing arguments
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. As closing arguments in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial wind down, attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul will offer their final defense before jury deliberations. Combs and his legal team were back in Manhattan court on June 27 to plead his case to jurors in the sweeping federal sex-crimes probe. This comes after prosecutors kicked off closing arguments on June 26, which lasted about six hours. Assistant U.S. attorney Christy Slavik thanked jurors for their time after hearing how Combs allegedly ran his criminal enterprise with "total control and used his loyal staff" to go about it. The U.S. attorney also revisited testimony from Comb's former girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine, and laid the groundwork for deliberations on Combs' racketeering charge. "All of this evidence paints a clear picture of how the defendant committed crimes," Slavik told the courtroom. "Up until today, he was able to get away with it because of his money, his power (and) his influence." She added: "It's time for justice. It's time to find the defendant guilty." Prosecutors called forward more than 30 witnesses over the course of nearly seven weeks of testimony. Several individuals in Combs' personal and professional orbit — from ex-girlfriends Ventura Fine and the woman using the pseudonym "Jane" to Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and rap peer Kid Cudi — took the stand. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Is Diddy in jail? The disgraced music mogul is in custody, and despite repeated attempts at bail, has remained confined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Closing arguments begin in Sean Combs' sex-crimes case
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Before a verdict is reached, Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team has one last chance to plead his case in the music mogul's criminal trial. Prosecutors and attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan court on June 26 to begin closing arguments in the sweeping federal sex-crimes case. The prosecution is scheduled to kick off arguments, which have previously been estimated to last four hours for each side. This comes after Judge Arun Subramanian met with U.S. attorneys and the defense during a June 25 charge conference, which was held to determine instructions for jurors before they begin deliberating either at the end of the week or beginning June 30. Prosecutors called forward more than 30 witnesses over the course of nearly seven weeks of testimony. Several individuals in Combs' personal and professional orbit — from ex-girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine and "Jane" to Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and rap peer Kid Cudi — took the stand. As testimony came to an end earlier this week, U.S. attorneys painted a picture of Combs and his employees being personally involved with organizing his alleged "freak-off" sex parties, working with escorts, Combs' partners and others to produce the elaborate sexual performances. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges Is Diddy in jail? The disgraced music mogul is in custody, and despite repeated attempts at bail, has remained confined to the Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. He has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Diddy trial updates: Closing arguments near in Sean Combs' sex-crimes case
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal fate hangs in the balance as the music mogul's landmark criminal trial nears a close. After more than a month of harrowing testimony from several individuals in Combs' personal and professional orbit — from ex-girlfriends Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine and "Jane" to Danity Kane alum Dawn Richard and rap peer Kid Cudi — prosecutors rested their case in the sweeping federal sex-crimes proceeding on June 24. In their final round of arguments, attorneys for the U.S. government zeroed in on graphic evidence from Combs' alleged "freak off" sex parties, which included video footage, text messages and financial records. Prosecutors painted a picture of Combs and his employees being personally involved with organizing the elaborate sexual performances, working with escorts, Combs' partners and others. Meanwhile, Combs' attorneys rested their case in less than half an hour, with the defense opting not to call any witnesses to the stand. Their arguments mainly focused on romantic — and occasionally explicit — texts between Combs and Ventura Fine. Although Combs' alleged abuse is at the center of the trial, the Grammy-winning rapper told the court he would not be testifying. Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs' lead lawyer Marc Agnifilo if he spoke with his client about his right to testify, and Agnifilo said they discussed it at length. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Take a look back at some of the biggest moments from the trial, as well as where Combs' case stands. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. What is Diddy charged with? Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling case that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He was arrested in September 2024 and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more What is a RICO? Racketeering meaning Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed at targeting multi-person criminal organizations, prosecutors allege that Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in "freak offs" — sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have on video. How to stream the Diddy trial The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (4673) and and en Español If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
