CBS NEWS – Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.
The charges were revealed after Combs was taken into custody by federal authorities in New York the night before, multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News, in connection with an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
Combs is expected to appear in court later Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the matter.
According to the indictment, Combs “manipulated women to participate in highly orchestrated performances of sexual activity with male commercial sex workers.”
Combs also allegedly arranged for women and commercial sex workers to be flown to him.
In May, Combs apologized for a security video aired by CNN that appeared to show him attacking the singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel. He said his behavior was ‘inexcusable’ and that he took ‘full responsibility’ for his actions.”
According to the indictment, Combs “ensured participation from the women by, among other things, obtaining and distributing narcotics to them, controlling their careers, leveraging his financial support and threatening to cut off the same, and using intimidation and violence.”
Combs was taken into custody by federal authorities in New York Monday night, multiple law enforcement sources tell CBS News, in connection with an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
In recent months, the hip-hop mogul has faced multiple accusations of sexual abuse and physical violence. In March, Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by HSI agents and other law enforcement officers due to a possible ongoing sex trafficking investigation, U.S. officials said at the time, but no charges were filed then.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, of the Southern District of New York, confirmed Combs’ arrest in a statement Monday night and said he would speak about the case after the indictment was unsealed …
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