Latest news with #sexcrimes
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
P Diddy trial replay: Prosecutors and Combs' lawyers focus on 'freak offs' as testimony ends
This page reflects the news from Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial on Tuesday, June 24. For the latest updates from Diddy's trial, read USA TODAY's live coverage for Wednesday, June 25. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' bombshell criminal trial entered its homestretch after prosecutors finalized their case against the embattled hip-hop mogul, and his defense lawyers quickly wrapped up their response. Attorneys for the U.S. government and Combs' legal team on June 24 focused on graphic evidence from the rapper's alleged "freak off" sex parties. They went over video footage, text messages and other materials as they questioned Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello about everything from travel and hotel records to payments for male escorts. Diddy on trial newsletter: Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Prosecutors continued to paint a picture of Combs and his employees being personally involved with organizing "freak offs," working with escorts, Combs' partners and others. They rested their case midday, handing it over to the defense team to make their argument in the sweeping federal sex-crimes case. Combs' lawyers largely argued that the rapper's former partners were willingly in relationships with him, and he didn't conspire with his orbit of employees. They will not call any witnesses. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Combs' lawyers rested their case in less than a half hour on June 24. They did not call any witnesses to the stand. Their arguments, which began at roughly 3:07 p.m. and ended at 3:31 p.m., mainly focused on romantic − and occasionally explicit − texts between Combs and his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine. In one text exchange from Feb. 14, 2017, Ventura Fine said, "Omg thank you so much," and Combs replied, "Teamwork makes the dream work. Happy Valentine's Day." In another exchange from that year, Combs said he wanted to have sex "for 48 hours." Ventura Fine replied, "How you want to do it?" and Combs responded, "You think you can FO without being high?" FO referred to "freak offs." She responded that she could participate without using drugs. A 2017 text exchange showed Ventura Fine asking for a picture of Combs' genitals. In another, Ventura Fine said, "I miss you," and Combs responded, "So what you gonna do?" She replied, "Be your little freak." The embattled rapper verbally confirmed on June 24 he did not want to take the stand – one of the only times Combs spoke out loud during his weekslong trial. 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 exchanged a few remarks with the judge, saying he was doing "great" and that he thought the judge was managing the trial well. The rapper said it was "solely my decision" not to to testify, and he "thoroughly" discussed it with his legal team. After jurors were dismissed for a break, Combs' defense lawyers asked the judge for a swift acquittal. The move is known as a "Rule 29 motion," and it's typical in criminal trials. Combs' lawyer Alexandra Shapiro argued that "no reasonable juror could find him guilty" based on the evidence prosecutors have provided. While addressing Combs' racketeering charge, the lawyer claimed that the government failed to show that employees conspired with the rapper to commit any potential crimes. She admitted employees ran errands and helped set up and clean hotel rooms, but she said "they did not have anything to do with what went on with Combs and his girlfriends in the hotel room – other than that they used a lot of baby oil and Astroglide, drank alcohol, and maybe did drugs." Shapiro also claimed Combs didn't involve his staff in booking escorts. She noted that it was almost always Ventura Fine and another ex-girlfriend identified under the pseudonym "Jane" who assisted. In fact, Shapiro said, Combs went out of his way to hide escorts from his employees by not letting them come to his house at times. Finally, she explained that several witnesses testified about Combs' security repeatedly trying to stop him from being violent with his partners. Shapiro appeared to be arguing that these were moments in which Combs' employees disobeyed him – instead of allegedly conspiring with him. As Combs' defense sought acquittal, they also tried to cast doubt on allegations against Combs of witness tampering, forced labor, kidnaping, sex trafficking and transportation for the purposes of prostitution. Regarding the alleged sex trafficking of Ventura Fine and "Jane," Shapiro reiterated the defense's oft-used phrase that "Domestic violence is not sex trafficking." His lawyers have acknowledged the rapper has previously been violent – but they deny he's guilty of sex trafficking. Text messages between Ventura Fine and Combs showed she sometimes wanted to participate in "freak offs," per his attorney. As for transporting sex workers, Shapiro claimed there was no evidence the escorts were paid to engage in prostitution – as opposed to being compensated for their time. People were paid even when there was no sex, Shapiro said. In addition there is 'no evidence' Combs was involved in the Kid Cudi arson incident, Shapiro said. The rapper, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified that his car was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail around the same time he was dating Ventura Fine, and there was major friction with Combs over the relationship. Combs defense attorney Teny Geragos kept Cerciello on the stand for more than three hours and went through dozens of texts between Combs and Jane. Some of the messages were seemingly loving and warm, while others were explicit about alleged freak-offs. Several messages revolved around keeping their private life behind closed doors. In one of the text exchanges, Jane asked Combs to have an employee print a non-disclosure agreement. After Combs asked Jane about an escort they hired, she replied that he "seems cool, babe," adding, "Hopefully he doesn't know anyone we know lol. I'm just gonna make sure he signs the paper." Jurors also saw another text exchange between Combs and Paul Arthur, his personal trainer and an alleged participant in "freak offs." "She's so horny, I need help!" Combs wrote, adding, "This is a 911 freak emergency!" Arthur simply replied "lol." Combs continued to send a picture of Shaquille O'Neill, one of the "trifecta" of basketball legends that they frequently used as nicknames during "freak offs." Jurors were shown more videos of "freak-offs" as Geragos ended cross-examination. Prosecutors have rested their case in Combs' trial, meaning it's Combs' lawyer's turn to present their argument. However, the attorneys are not expected to call any witnesses. Combs' defense team told Subramanian they wanted to introduce more texts between Combs and Ventura Fine into evidence. In one message, Combs said "You think you can freak off without getting high?" and she replied yes. The prosecution said it should have been discussed when Combs' ex-girlfriend was on the stand, but the judge disagreed. In another text, Combs suggested he and Ventura Fine go to couples counseling, but she declined. Subramanian said it wasn't sufficiently relevant, and the messages are not going into evidence for the case. But why these message? Combs' lawyers have repeatedly tried to show Ventura Fine wasn't coerced in her relationship with Combs. While on the stand, the singer alleged he physically, sexually and psychologically abused her for years. As Cerciello continued his testimony on June 23, the jury was shown several videos of Jane. Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey called the videos "explicit" several times. The jury watched the footage for about 20 minutes while wearing headphones. The monitors that had been shown to the courtroom gallery were turned off, and reporters couldn't see the videos. Cerciello said all the videos featured Jane and sex worker Sly Williams. Combs was also seen in some of the footage. The agent mainly looked up and around the courtroom gallery rather than at his screen while the videos played. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more During the June 23 hearing, Combs' defense attorney Teny Geragos introduced text messages between Combs and Jane, in which the anonymous witness was enthusiastic about some sexual acts between the couple. "I really had a great night," Jane said in one message. The move comes as Combs' lawyers have argued that many of the rapper's partners were willing participants in his alleged sexual performances. Geragos also played sealed videos for Cerciello and the jury, but there was no audio or visuals for the courtroom. During a September 2024 press conference, U.S. attorney Damian Williams detailed the paraphernalia discovered during the federal raids of Combs' homes. The items included multiple AR-15 guns, large-capacity magazines, "evidence" of Combs' alleged sex crimes and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. According to Combs' original indictment, the baby oil bottles were used during the hip-hop mogul's alleged "freak-off" parties, which were described as "elaborate and produced sex performances" that involved sex workers. Combs and his employees conducted "freak offs" by booking hotel rooms and stocking them with supplies such as baby oil, lube, extra bedsheets and lighting, per the indictment. The rapper allegedly "arranged, directed" and "masturbated" during these sometimes dayslong "performances," and drugs were reportedly distributed to victims, in part, to keep them "obedient and compliant." 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. 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. 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. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: P Diddy trial recap: Combs' lawyers, prosecutors focus on 'freak offs'
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy trial closing arguments: 'Inner circle, money and influence' concealed crimes
This page reflects the news from Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial on Thursday, June 26. For the latest updates from Diddy's trial, read USA TODAY's live coverage for Friday, June 27. This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. U.S. attorneys seeking a conviction for Sean "Diddy" Combs have had their final say in his criminal trial before the jury reaches a verdict. Prosecutors and attorneys for the embattled hip-hop mogul returned to Manhattan federal court on June 26 to begin closing arguments in the sweeping federal sex-crimes case. The prosecution kicked off closing arguments, with the day beginning around 10 a.m. and wrapping at about 4:15 p.m. While concluding her closing arguments, which reminded jurors of disturbing testimony from Cassie Ventura Fine and others in Combs' network, prosecutor Christy Slavik thanked jurors for their time. She told the 12-person group the government has presented ample evidence to establish Combs led a criminal enterprise with "total control and used his loyal staff" to go about it. "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." "That stops now," she concluded. "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. As testimony came to an end June 24, 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 Combs' allegedly frequent use of escorts in his "freak offs" was cited by prosecutors as an additional racketeering act, namely interstate transportation for prostitution, for jurors' consideration. Prosecutor Slavik told the jury that, unlike the sex trafficking charges, transportation for prostitution doesn't require proof of force, fraud or coercion. She went on to reference multiple male escorts who were allegedly hired by Combs to participate in "freak offs" in various locations across the globe. One of these escorts, Slavik said, includes Paul Arthur, who previously worked as Combs' personal trainer and reportedly traveled to Los Angeles, Miami, and Turks and Caicos Islands at Combs' request. Slavik also discussed text messages between Combs and his then-chief-of-staff Kristina "KK" Khorrram, in which they allegedly planned Arthur's trip to Las Vegas for a "freak off." Slavik also mentioned Jules Theodore, who was the male escort present at the Intercontinental Hotel freak off with Ventura Fine. The prosecutor also mentioned male stripper Daniel Phillip, who traveled to Miami for Combs; Cabral traveled to LA, Miami and New York. Ventura Fine was the victim of sex trafficking multiple times, Slavik told jurors, detailing three specific instances. The first was when Combs assaulted her at the Los Angeles' InterContinental Hotel in 2015. Pointing to a text message Ventura Fine had sent Combs at the time that read "We can have fun, I don't want you thinking I don't want to," Slavik said, "She knows that the defendant won't take no for an answer." The prosecutor also noted the "freak off" did not need to have been completed for Combs to be found of sex trafficking. Combs paying Daniel Phillip to have sex with Ventura Fine between 2012 and 2014 was another example of sex trafficking, Slavik said, hitting back against the defense's characterization of the payments as compensation for sex workers' time. Lastly, she referred back to Ventura Fine's testimony about the Cannes Film Festival incident where Combs kicked her off a boat. "In case it's not clear that the defendant had the power, he spent the plane ride back to the U.S. showing Cassie the 'freak off' videos," Slavik said. She noted the three examples were hardly the only times Combs allegedly trafficking Ventura Fine. Combs' alleged "freak offs," which dominated much of witnesses' court testimony, were also discussed in U.S. attorneys' closing arguments. Prosecutor Slavik told jurors that they are not expected to find that every "freak off" was sex trafficking. "This is not an all-or-nothing situation," she said. Slavik cited Ventura Fine's alleged involvement in several of Combs' "freak offs" as an example of the coercion Combs employed in his sexual performances. She told jurors that Cassie "obviously didn't want to have sex with escorts for days on end," to have sex "with escorts when she had UTIs" or have sex workers urinate "in her mouth while she lay on the floor." The prosecutor said Combs' filming of the "freak offs" and his alleged threats to release footage featuring Ventura Fine was part of this coercive dynamic. Explaining that jurors would need to find Combs guilty of two racketeering acts in order to convict him on the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) charge, Slavik delved into claims that Combs engaged in sex trafficking as part of his alleged criminal enterprise. The prosecutor discussed Cassie Ventura Fine having "trauma bonded" with Combs to explain why she'd gone back to Combs after he'd allegedly raped her and had consensual sex with him once. Slavik alleged that Combs is "the head of a criminal enterprise" as she walked jurors through racketeering charges against the mogul. She pointed to allegations Combs physically and sexually abused Ventura Fine and Jane over and over again – and worked with his staff to force the women into "freak offs." "The concept is simple," Slavik said, calling racketeering the act of committing a crime as part of a group. "They're more powerful and more dangerous." "Remember, it's his kingdom. Everyone was there to serve him," she added, alleging Combs' staff "made it their mission" to promote his power and stature. During their closing arguments, prosecutors argued Combs kidnapped Ventura Fine and his ex-assistant Capricorn Clark. They detailed three incidents: 2004: Clark alleged she was held against her will for five days after several pieces of jewelry went missing at the rapper's home. She said she was "petrified" and forced to take polygraph tests over and over again in a New York City building. 2009: Ventura Fine alleged that Combs allegedly forced her to go to the London Hotel in Los Angeles after he stomped on her during an argument. 2011: Finally, Clark said Combs and some of his aides showed up at her home with weapons and told her "Get dressed. We're going to kill Cudi." This was around the same time Kid Cudi was dating Ventura Fine, setting off a war with Combs. During prosecutors' closing arguments, Combs had his chair pulled back about a foot behind his lawyers' seats. He appeared comfortable as his legs were crossed, looking in the direction of the prosecutors and jurors. Later, Combs held his head down with his chin to his chest, writing notes in his lap and handing them to his lawyers. Prosecutors also zeroed in on Kid Cudi's Porsche being hit with a Molotov cocktail and exploding in a January 2012 incident. Slavik alleged Combs organized for employees to set his rap peer's car on fire. She displayed images of the damaged Porsche, saying it was clearly arson. "Of course, the defendant was behind this," she said. "He literally said he was going to blow up Kid Cudi's car." Slavik appeared to be referencing Ventura Fine's testimony. Combs' ex-girlfriend told the court that Combs made similar threats around the time Kid Cudi's car was set ablaze. "It can't be a wild coincidence," the prosecutor told jurors. Kid Cudi was arguably the most famous person to take the stand during Combs' trial, along with Ventura Fine. Combs used "violence and fear" to lead a criminal enterprise that helped him subject two of his former girlfriends to sex trafficking, Slavik said in her closing argument. "The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted," Slavik told jurors in her address. "He thought that his fame, wealth and power put him above the law." "He used his inner circle, his money and his influence to cover up his crimes," she argued. The witness identified as Jane, who dated Combs on-and-off from 2021 to 2024, alleged years of coerced sex with escorts. She initially thought the couple would just have a one-night escapade with a sex worker – but it allegedly turned into frequent "hotel nights" where Combs pushed her to have sex with several men consecutively, lasting as long as three and a half days. "I don't want to be used and locked in a room to fulfill your fantasies," Jane said in a message to Combs while they were dating, which was shown in court. "I'm not a porn star. I'm not an animal," she sent in another text. Jane also said she fainted when she learned of Ventura Fine suing Combs in November 2023 on allegations he trafficked, sexually assaulted and physically abused her. Two alleged victims – Ventura Fine and Jane – testified that Combs physically, sexually and emotionally abused them. The jury repeatedly saw hotel surveillance footage of the rapper beating Ventura Fine. The women both said they took part in "freak offs" with male sex workers while Combs watched, masturbated and sometimes filmed. Both women allege he also threatened to cut off financial support or leak sex tapes when they complained about their treatment. Ventura and Jane also both said that they at times took part in the performances because they loved Combs and wanted to make him happy – and they were fearful of the repercussions if they refused to participate in the sex acts. If convicted on all counts, the Bad Boy Records founder faces a minimum 15-year prison term and could be sentenced to life behind bars. Prosecutors spent weeks calling dozens of witnesses in their arguments against Combs. The jury heard from his former girlfriends and business associates, federal agents, security officers and others. But his lawyers wrapped up their case in less than 30 minutes without calling anyone to the stand. Why? One factor to note: Defendants in criminal cases aren't required to present evidence, and judges instruct juries not to hold that against defendants. To win a guilty verdict, prosecutors have to prove their cases beyond a reasonable doubt. Combs' lawyers haven't explained why they didn't call any witnesses. But they may think prosecutors haven't cleared that bar, or they don't want to risk calling a witness who could sway the jury against their client. As the June 25 hearing over jury instructions came to a close, Judge Arun Subramanian granted a request from Combs' team to wait until Friday morning, June 27, to begin its closing argument. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said the defense should have to start Thursday afternoon, June 26, after the prosecution's closing argument. She expressed concern that delaying it would waste the jury's time and that the defense was engaging in gamesmanship in order to sit with the prosecution's closing argument overnight and map out its response. However, Subramanian said he thought the arrangement would be fine, given that the defense is no longer expressing a concern about pushing the case beyond the July 4 holiday. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more The rapper verbally confirmed on June 24 he did not want to take the stand – one of the only times Combs spoke out loud during his weekslong trial. Combs exchanged a few remarks with the judge, saying he was doing "great" and that he thought the judge was managing the trial well. He said it was "solely my decision" not to to testify, and he "thoroughly" discussed it with his legal team. During the June 25 conference, lawyers for Combs and the prosecution continued to make their cases to the judge on how he should instruct the jury about the charges the music mogul faces. Prosecutor Madison Smyser said it's important for jurors to understand that sex trafficking may sometimes have occurred without a completed commercial sex act. She gave the example of when Combs was seen on hotel security camera footage throwing Ventura Fine to the ground near an elevator and then dragging her, reportedly during an alleged "freak off." Surviving abuse: Cassie Ventura Fine and the unlikely bond with her mother-in-law Combs' lawyer, Alexandra Shapiro, argued that Combs would be "severely prejudiced" by that instruction, even if it's consistent with existing law, because the prosecution has repeatedly tried its case against Combs as if a commercial sex act is required. The judge said he was leaning toward the prosecution on the issue but would consider the matter further. No, none of the charges from Combs' federal indictment have been formally dropped. But in a June 24 letter to Judge Subramanian, prosecutors revealed they were withdrawing some of their criminal allegations ahead of closing arguments. U.S. attorneys said they don't want jurors to consider their previous claims that Combs allegedly engaged in racketeering by attempting kidnapping in California and New York, attempting arson in California, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The move was made as part of an effort to "streamline" jury instructions that will be issued soon. Despite the tossed allegations, Combs' indictment accused him not just of attempting arson and kidnapping, but also of committing these crimes outright as part of a criminal conspiracy. 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. 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. 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. 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, Reuters 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. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: P Diddy trial closing arguments: Prosecution says guilt is 'clear'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
NSW Police detective's sick act when a 19-year-old woman came forward to report a crime
A jailed sex crimes investigator has lost an appeal against his convictions for sexually touching a 19-year-old woman who came forward to report a crime. Former NSW police detective Glen Coleman was jailed for at least two years after he was found guilty of twice sexually touching the teenager without her consent in 2022. The 58-year-old met the teenager when she attended a police station to report her cousin had threatened to distribute naked images of her online. The jury was persuaded the married detective asked to see the woman's breasts, and touched them in a police station interview room and at a local park. He also asked for sexual favours in exchange for money, attended a strip club to see her dance, and on one occasion placed $70 on the interview room table before they had sex. Coleman was convicted, and jailed three years and seven months, with a non-parole period of two years and two months. His appeal against the convictions was heard in May. But his bid for freedom was dismissed by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Friday in a judgment by Chief Justice Andrew Bell, Justice Anthony Payne and Justice Natalie Adams. His convictions were upheld and he will remain behind bars until at least mid-2026. Coleman's lawyer argued the jury's findings were inconsistent because it found his client guilty of two sexual touching offences and acquitted him of seven other offences. But crown prosecutor Carl Young said the jury's verdicts showed it had confronted difficult issues in assessing the teenager's ability to consent and Coleman's knowledge of consent. The jury did not pick one of the lesser counts from each incident when determining its verdicts and instead based its findings on the supporting evidence for each count. 'The acquittals do not necessarily mean that the jury rejected (the teenager) as a witness or her evidence,' Mr Young said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Ex-detective's major loss after sexually touching teen
A jailed sex crimes investigator has lost an appeal against his convictions for sexually touching a 19-year-old woman who came forward to report a crime. Former NSW police detective Glen Coleman was jailed for at least two years after he was found guilty of twice sexually touching the teenager without her consent in 2022. The 58-year-old met the teenager when she attended a police station to report her cousin had threatened to distribute naked images of her online. The jury was persuaded the married detective asked to see the woman's breasts, and touched them in a police station interview room and at a local park. He also asked for sexual favours in exchange for money, attended a strip club to see her dance, and on one occasion placed $70 on the interview room table before they had sex. Coleman was convicted, and jailed three years and seven months, with a non-parole period of two years and two months. His appeal against the convictions was heard in May. But his bid for freedom was dismissed by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Friday in a judgment by Chief Justice Andrew Bell, Justice Anthony Payne and Justice Natalie Adams. His convictions were upheld and he will remain behind bars until at least mid-2026. Coleman's lawyer argued the jury's findings were inconsistent because it found his client guilty of two sexual touching offences and acquitted him of seven other offences. But crown prosecutor Carl Young said the jury's verdicts showed it had confronted difficult issues in assessing the teenager's ability to consent and Coleman's knowledge of consent. The jury did not pick one of the lesser counts from each incident when determining its verdicts and instead based its findings on the supporting evidence for each count. "The acquittals do not necessarily mean that the jury rejected (the teenager) as a witness or her evidence," Mr Young said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Convicted child molester sentenced to 15.5 years for abusing girls
Eric Johnson, convicted of sex crimes against two young girls, was handed a prison sentence on Thursday. Eric Johnson, convicted of sex crimes against two young girls, was handed a prison sentence on Thursday. Warning: Content in this article may be upsetting or triggering to some readers. A convicted child molester has been sentenced for abusing two girls between 2003 and 2018. Eric Johnson, 52, sat in the prisoner's box in a Barrie, Ont. courtroom where he received his sentence of 15.5 years in prison from an emotional Justice Annette Casullo. Johnson was found guilty of sex crimes against the two complainants including sexual assault and interference, exploitation, invitation to sexual touching and sexual assault with a weapon. Eric Johnson Eric Johnson in Barrie, Ont., on April 20, 2023. (CTV News) One of his survivors told CTV News she is relieved Johnson has been held accountable for what he has done. The identities of the young women are protected by a publication ban. 'For once, yeah. Someone listened,' she said outside the courthouse. 'No one around me listened to me until I actually had to actually come out and say 'Hey, this happened.'' Johnson and his partner at the time, Desiree Torrance, were initially charged in 2020 following an investigation by Barrie police. Convicted in December 2023 following an eight-day trial, Torrance was sentenced to one year in jail. Johnson, however, failed to show up for his scheduled sentencing hearing last May; and was tracked down by police and taken into custody at Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene, where he's been since. The Crown outlined Johnson's lengthy criminal record, and the court heard Johnson, who is Indigenous, was sexually abused as a child, and became an abuser himself. One victim told the court in her victim impact statement she hoped no one else has to experience the pain and torture he subjected her to. The young woman said she became numb to the pain. Justice Casullo described Johnson's actions as psychological and physical harm while grooming one young victim over years. Johnson apologized to the young women at his December 2024 sentencing hearing, saying he regretted the pain and trauma he caused. Eric Johnson and Desiree Torrance Eric Johnson (L) and Desiree Torrance (R) outside the Barrie, Ont. Courthouse in 2023. (CTV News) The Crown sought a 20-year sentence while the defence asked for between 10 and 12 years. Factoring in his Indigenous heritage and time served in custody Justice Casullo credited Johnson with more than two years off his sentence. His victim, still living with the scars of abuse, said she is grateful Johnson will not be able to hurt her or anyone else while behind bars. 'It's been seven years for this, and it's finally done,' she said. 'This is not going to continue. He is not getting away with it.' Upon his release Johnson is barred from being within two-kilometres of his victims.
