US rests case against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in sex-trafficking and racketeering trial

After more than a month of testimony from over 30 witnesses, the government rested its case in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s federal sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial on Tuesday afternoon

The 55-year-old music mogul’s defense team indicated this week that they do not intend to call any witnesses of their own, but will submit exhibits into evidence before closing arguments.

Combs, who was arrested in September, has pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and has denied the charges against him.

If convicted on all counts, he could face up to life in prison.

Since the trial began more than six weeks ago, jurors have heard testimony from 34 witnesses, including two of Combs’s former girlfriends, several of Combs’s former employees, male escorts, well-known figures such as rapper Kid Cudi and singer Dawn Richard, as well as various law enforcement agents and many others.

Prosecutors have alleged that, dating back to at least 2004, Combs led an enterprise that was involved in various crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, arson, bribery, enticement to engage in prostitution and obstruction of justice.

The government alleges that Combs used violence, threats, money, drugs and power to abuse and coerce women into participating in drug-fueled sex marathons with male escorts – referred to as “freak offs” – and that his employees aided in concealing his actions and protecting Combs’s reputation.

Much of the prosecution’s case has centered on testimony from two of Combs’s former girlfriends and alleged victims: singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane”.

Both women alleged that they were coerced into participating in the so-called “freak offs”, which they claimed Combs directed, watched, masturbated to and sometimes filmed.

They both testified about instances where Combs was violent and controlling, and claimed that he would sometimes threaten to release explicit videos of them or cut off their financial support.

Another woman, who was formerly a personal assistant to Combs, testified under the pseudonym “Mia” and alleged Combs physically and sexually assaulted her during her employment.

Combs’s lawyers have acknowledged past incidents of domestic violence, but they have argued throughout the trial that all sexual encounters were consensual and part of a “swingers lifestyle”. They also maintain that no criminal conspiracy exists.

This week, the last witness called to the stand by the government was Joseph Cerciello, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations.

He testified about travel, hotel, payment and phone records related to the investigation into Combs.

The jury were also shown several minutes of sexually explicit video related to the case.

As of Tuesday morning, closing arguments were expected to begin on Thursday. If the schedule proceeds as planned, the jury could start deliberating before the end of the week.

 Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html