In an escalation of the legal probe in opposition to music legend Sean “Diddy” Combs, federal prosecutors are making ready grand jury subpoenas for witnesses to testify in the intercourse-trafficking investigation from him, in accordance to a supply familiar with the subject.
Investigators have previously interviewed various witnesses and advised them to be organized to testify, the supply mentioned, while it stays unclear when that testimony will happen or how considerably federal officials are in deciding no matter whether to carry prices. The resource spoke on the situation of anonymity since the scenario is ongoing.
News of the grand jury, which was very first described by CNN, will come two months following investigators raided Combs’ households in Los Angeles and Miami looking for evidence in a sweeping inquiry into intercourse-trafficking allegations towards the artist.
Combs has not been charged with any criminal offense and has denied any wrongdoing. The probe was released after a few girls accused him of rape, assault and other abuses dating back again a few a long time. Just one of the allegations included a minimal. It is unclear whether or not all those accusations, which Combs denies, are connected to the investigation.
Small is regarded about the federal probe, including the identities of any alleged victims. Individuals with awareness of the investigation who were being not licensed to discuss publicly stated federal investigators are searching for telecommunications and flight documents similar to Combs. In March, investigators searching Combs’ Holmby Hills mansion emptied safes, dismantled electronics and remaining papers strewn in some rooms, sources advised The Times.
The U.S. Division of Homeland Protection handles most sex-trafficking investigations for the federal government. Lawful experts say 1 purpose the agency could be associated in this scenario is for the reason that some of Combs’ accusers may be from other countries.
Combs’ legal professionals have strongly criticized the federal probe, calling the lookups of his houses “militarized” and a “witch hunt.”
Earlier this month, a movie emerged demonstrating Combs violently attacking his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, the R&B singer acknowledged as Cassie, in a Los Angeles lodge in 2016.
The movie shows Combs chasing, kicking, dragging and hurling a glass vase at Ventura. It corroborates pieces of a civil lawsuit she submitted from Combs final calendar year, which was settled a day soon after it was submitted in federal court in New York.
Combs posted a online video on Instagram in which he apologized for his actions in the video.