NEW YORK Reuters -Sean 'Diddy' Combs trafficked at least three women in his year sexual abuse scheme, prosecutors said on Thursday in filing a new criminal indictment against the incarcerated hip-hop mogul. The three-count indictment contains no additional charges, but alleges he transported three female victims and commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally.
Combs' original indictment last September identified just one female victim. Combs, 55, pleaded not guilty to the first indictment, and prosecutors asked that he be arraigned again. His trial is scheduled for May 5 in Manhattan federal court. Combs is as committed as ever to fighting these charges and winning at trial," Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in a statement. The indictment charges Combs with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan U. Attorney's Office said Combs used his business empire, including his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to sexually abuse women. Combs' alleged abuse included having women take part in recorded sexual performances called "freak offs" with male sex workers who were sometimes transported across state lines.
The new indictment alleges Combs abused his employees, and those who witnessed him commit acts of violence. Prosecutors also said Combs enticed women with drugs such as ketamine and ecstasy, financial support, and promises of career support or romantic relationships.
The indictment added methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms to the list of illegal drugs Combs and his associates allegedly distributed. None of the alleged victims was identified by name. She accused him in a civil lawsuit of serial physical abuse, sexual slavery and rape, but settled one day after suing.
