In an escalation of the legal probe towards music legend Sean “Diddy” Combs, federal prosecutors are making ready grand jury subpoenas for witnesses to testify within the sex-trafficking investigation towards him, in line with a supply conversant in the matter.
Investigators have already interviewed a number of witnesses and advised them to be ready to testify, the supply mentioned, although it stays unclear when that testimony will happen or how far federal officers are in figuring out whether or not to carry prices. The supply spoke on the situation of anonymity as a result of the case is ongoing.
Information of the grand jury, which was first reported by CNN, comes two months after investigators raided Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami searching for proof in a sweeping inquiry into sex-trafficking allegations towards the artist.
Combs has not been charged with any crime and has denied any wrongdoing. The probe was launched after three girls accused him of rape, assault and different abuses courting again three a long time. One of many allegations concerned a minor. It’s unclear whether or not these accusations, which Combs denies, are related to the investigation.
Little is understood concerning the federal probe, together with the identities of any alleged victims. Folks with data of the investigation who weren’t licensed to talk publicly mentioned federal investigators are searching for telecommunications and flight information associated to Combs. In March, investigators looking Combs’ Holmby Hills mansion emptied safes, dismantled electronics and left papers strewn in some rooms, sources advised The Instances.
Federal regulation enforcement officers searched Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Holmby Hills mansion on March 25.
(Eric Thayer / Related Press)
The U.S. Division of Homeland Safety handles most sex-trafficking investigations for the federal authorities. Authorized consultants say one motive the company may very well be concerned on this case is as a result of a few of Combs’ accusers is likely to be from different nations.
Combs’ legal professionals have strongly criticized the federal probe, calling the searches of his properties “militarized” and a “witch hunt.”
Earlier this month, a video emerged exhibiting Combs violently attacking his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, the R&B singer generally known as Cassie, in a Los Angeles lodge in 2016.
A picture from safety video reveals Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles lodge hallway in March 2016.
(CNN through Related Press)
The video reveals Combs chasing, kicking, dragging and hurling a glass vase at Ventura. It corroborates components of a civil lawsuit she filed towards Combs final yr, which was settled a day after it was filed in federal court docket in New York.
Combs posted a video on Instagram through which he apologized for his conduct within the video.
