Sean “Diddy” Combs charged with sex trafficking and organized crime

Following his arrest on Monday in New York, the charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs have now been released. CBS NewsThe music mogul was charged with sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit organized crime and transportation for the purpose of prostitution. At a press conference (via CNN), U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams said that “between at least 2008 and the present, Combs abused, threatened, and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.”

Prosecutors want to arrest Combs before trial. CNN. Prosecutors will argue that Combs poses a danger if free because he has already attempted to obstruct the investigation. He is believed to have access to weapons and is accused of using violence, bribery and intimidation to cover up his crimes. He is also considered a flight risk because of his means and access to aircraft. “We are not finished yet. The investigation is ongoing and I encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward and do so quickly,” Williams said at the press conference.

According to the indictment, Combs is accused of “a persistent and widespread pattern of abuse toward women and other people. This abuse was sometimes verbal, emotional, physical and sexual.” He was able to manipulate his partners and other people around him, “by, among other things, obtaining and distributing narcotics to them, controlling their careers, exploiting his financial support and threatening to withdraw it, and using intimidation and violence.”

In addition, the record executive is accused of using his company, “including certain employees, to conduct, facilitate and cover up his abuse and commercial sex.” His companies allegedly served as a means for Combs and his employees to “Sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution, coercion and solicitation for prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.” The indictment alleges that Combs used violence, threats and coercion to secure the loyalty of both partners and victims.

Over the past year, Combs has been accused by several ex-girlfriends and some business associates of cruel abuse. The charges describe regular events known as “freak offs” in which Combs allegedly organize the transport of sex workers across national borders and internationally. These events sometimes lasted several days, and participants were often given drugs to keep them alive.obedient and submissive.” Combs should “Victims were subjected to physical, emotional and verbal abuse” at these parties, kept there through threats and intimidation, and the sexual acts filmed. “Electronic devices containing images and videos of the tantrums involving multiple victims” were seized during raids on Combs’ properties earlier this year, along with assault rifles and ammunition, Williams said at the press conference.

Diddy continues to deny the allegations against him, and on Monday one of his attorneys released a statement calling the arrest an “unjustified prosecution” of an “innocent man.” Combs was taken into custody by federal authorities as part of an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations; he is scheduled to appear in court late Tuesday.