In a startling turn of events, Sean Diddy Combs has become the focus of a federal investigation, as a flurry of serious allegations against the music mogul continues to unfold.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed to NBC News that this inquiry has been ongoing since November, and it involves multiple claims of s trafficking, rape, and the distribution of illegal drugs and firearms.
The investigation has led authorities to interview several individuals, including three women and one man, who are being scrutinized in connection with these alarming accusations.
Additionally, interviews with three other witnesses are reportedly in the works, indicating that the scope of the investigation is broadening.
On Monday, federal agents executed search warrants at properties owned by Combs in both Los Angeles and Miami, with the legal orders originating from the Southern District of New York.
This operation is part of a coordinated effort involving various law enforcement agencies, including homeland security, which has been actively involved in gathering evidence related to the case.
Sources disclosed that phones belonging to Combs were seized in Miami just before he was set to depart for a trip to the Bahamas.
At the time of the searches, Combs was in the Miami area, although it remains unclear whether he proceeded with his travel plans as scheduled.
The news of this federal examination comes on the heels of a public outcry following serious allegations made by Combs’ ex-wife, Cassie.
She accused him of years of physical and emotional abuse in a lawsuit filed under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which allows adult survivors of sual assault to file civil lawsuits regardless of when the incidents occurred.
Since Cassie’s allegations came to light, three additional women have stepped forward with their own claims against Combs, asserting that they too were victims of sual assault.
Disturbingly, two of these women reported that they were minors at the time of the alleged incidents.
Douglas Wigder, the attorney representing one of the accusers, expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would pave the way for accountability, stating it could mark the beginning of a process to hold Combs responsible for his alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, Joy Dickerson-Neal’s legal representative declined to comment on the matter when approached by NBC News.
One particularly alarming claim has emerged from a former employee of Combs, Rodney “Lil’ Pol” Jones, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year.
Jones alleges that he was subjected to physical harassment, drugging, and threats over a period of more than a year while working for Combs.
He also claims to possess video and audio evidence of criminal activities involving Combs and his associates.
Tyrone Blackburn, the attorney representing Jones, asserted that the federal investigation would not hinder or delay his client’s pursuit of justice against Combs.
In contrast, Sean Hawley, Combs’ lawyer, has vehemently denied Jones’ allegations, characterizing them as baseless fabrications.
Residents in the vicinity of Combs’ properties have begun to speak out about the unusual activities they observed.
One neighbor, Brian Mendelsohn, recalled seeing gatherings at Combs’ home, often late into the night, with numerous women coming and going.
He noted that such scenes were not typical for the area, adding that he had not realized Combs lived there until recent news coverage highlighted the situation.
Despite the troubling nature of these allegations and the ongoing investigation, some neighbors, like Mendelsohn, expressed indifference, suggesting that they had become desensitized to the happenings around them.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering what consequences may arise for the music icon amid these serious claims.