Sean Combs will stay in federal custody after pleading not guilty Tuesday to three criminal counts, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Authorities arrested him Monday following a series of sexual assault allegations and a federal investigation.
During a March search of Combs’ residences, investigators found over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, along with other “Freak Off supplies.” They also recovered firearms and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers.
Combs appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, having been in custody since his arrest. He entered a not guilty plea.
Key Facts of the Case
Prosecutors indicted him on three counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution. These charges stem from alleged actions that occurred between 2009 and 2018 for sex trafficking and from 2009 to 2024 for prostitution.
The indictment claims that Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women” to fulfill his sexual desires and protect his reputation. It further alleges he used his business empire to create a criminal enterprise involving associates in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
Prosecutors describe Combs’ behavior as “a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse,” including various forms of violence. They accuse him of “striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking” women, asserting that his employees facilitated and covered up his actions.
According to prosecutors, Combs manipulated women into participating in “extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers,” which he called “Freak Offs.” They allege that Combs and his associates transported sex workers across state lines, constituting sex trafficking. He allegedly drugged women to keep them compliant.
Prosecutors confirmed Combs’ arrest in Manhattan but unsealed the charges only on Tuesday morning.
Sean Combs Denies Charges
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has denied any wrongdoing. He stated that Combs “voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges” and insisted he has “nothing to hide.”
Since his arrest, Combs has remained in federal custody. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that the timeline for the criminal case is unclear. The investigation continues into both Combs and his associates, with the possibility of additional charges. Combs also faces multiple civil lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual assault.
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