Revised Indictment Filed Against Sean Combs on New Charges
Federal prosecutors have submitted a new indictment against Sean Combs, introducing additional allegations of sex trafficking and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. This update, filed on Thursday, brings Combs back into the legal spotlight as he faces serious charges related to his role in allegedly running a criminal enterprise that has been active since at least 2004.
Background of the Case
The latest indictment includes the same three federal offenses that were in the original charges, which accused Combs of orchestrating a network through which he reportedly assaulted and trafficked women, utilizing his business ventures. According to his legal team, “These are not new allegations or new accusers… These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships.” They assert that the relationships were based on mutual consent rather than coercion.
Details of the New Indictment
This superseding indictment, marking the third iteration of the case against Combs, introduces an additional sex trafficking charge specific to one accuser. It claims that he recruited individuals with the intent of compelling them to engage in sexual acts since at least 2021.
Prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his celebrity status as a mechanism to “intimidate, threaten, and lure female victims” into his sphere, often under the guise of romantic involvement. It is alleged that Combs coerced these individuals to perform extended sexual acts with male prostitutes, whom he referred to as “Freak Offs.” These acts were reportedly arranged and often recorded, with sex workers being transported across state lines and internationally.
Mann Act Violation and Additional Charges
A grand jury has also leveled another count related to the Mann Act, which criminalizes the transportation of individuals with the intent that they engage in prostitution. This aspect of the indictment highlights actions involving two victims and revises earlier accusations into a more serious violation.
Additionally, the prosecution has amended the racketeering charge to include a second special sentencing factor. This addition could potentially lengthen Combs’ prison sentence if he is convicted, particularly in relation to a newly specified sex trafficking offense. This indictment also mentions an incident where Combs is alleged to have kidnapped and threatened a victim at gunpoint—a particularly alarming allegation that underscores the severity of the case.
Current Legal Status and Next Steps
Overall, Combs is now facing five counts across three charges, which cover racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently awaiting trial set for May in a Brooklyn jail.
Combs, who has yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations, is scheduled to be arraigned on April 25.