Federal investigators are preparing to bring accusers of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs before a federal grand jury, signaling that the US Justice Department is moving toward potentially seeking an indictment of Combs, according to CNN sources familiar with the probe.
Investigators have notified potential witnesses, including those who have filed civil lawsuits against Combs, that they might be called to testify before a federal grand jury in New York City. This move represents a significant escalation in the government’s ongoing investigation involving the Bad Boy Records founder.
Combs has been named in eight civil lawsuits since November, seven of which directly accuse him of sexual assault. One of these lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, has been settled. Another lawsuit accused his son, Christian Combs, of sexual assault, with Sean Combs accused of aiding and abetting.
A spokesperson for the Homeland Security Investigations agency (HSI) declined to comment on the existence of a grand jury but confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Potential witnesses have not yet been prepped for testimony, as HSI investigators are still gathering evidence and questioning potential sources of information. According to one source, investigators are being thorough, aiming to ensure that any potential indictment is “bulletproof.”
Grand juries, composed of ordinary citizens, are essential tools for prosecutors. They help investigate by approving subpoenas for documents and witnesses and deciding whether to criminally charge suspects. The involvement of a grand jury indicates that the case has progressed beyond the preliminary stage, where investigators assess possible legal violations.
In March, Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were searched. CNN reported that the rapper and entrepreneur was the target of a federal investigation conducted by a Department of Homeland Security team focused on human trafficking, with an emphasis on sex trafficking.
Now, additional sources have told CNN that most of the plaintiffs who filed civil suits against Combs have been interviewed by federal investigators. Combs has vehemently denied many of the claims from the civil suits, although he has not responded to all the allegations. In December 2023, after four lawsuits had been filed, Combs posted a strong denial on social media, calling the allegations “sickening” and asserting they were attempts to get a “quick payday.”
The investigation, according to sources, is broader than initially reported, encompassing sex trafficking, money laundering, and illegal drugs. HSI also investigates narcotics smuggling and other organized criminal activities.
Federal investigators are now “digging deeper,” with some accusers questioned multiple times. Accusers who have spoken with federal agents have cooperated actively, providing evidence they believe could aid the investigation. New individuals, including corroborating witnesses, are also being brought in for questioning.
Investigators are in possession of video footage from Combs’ recently searched residences. It is unclear whether the footage was seized during the raids or obtained from individuals questioned by investigators. “They are contacting people found on the tapes,” one source said.
At least one male sex worker, claiming victimization by Combs, has been questioned during the investigation. This individual was reportedly seen in footage held by federal investigators.
Some lawsuits allege that accusers were unknowingly recorded having sex. Combs has not specifically responded to this accusation but issued a blanket denial in December 2023. Additionally, multiple lawsuits accuse Combs of drugging accusers. In recent lawsuits, former fashion student April Lampros and former model Crystal McKinney claim Combs drugged them and forced them into sexual acts. He was also accused in a civil suit filed last November of drugging and sexually assaulting Joi Dickerson-Neal in 1991. Combs’ legal team has filed a motion to dismiss parts of this suit, with his attorneys calling the allegations “false, offensive, and salacious.”
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