Sean Combs indicted on additional sex trafficking charges
Sean Combs, the entertainment mogul who’s been in custody since his September arrest for charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, faces two new counts as part of a superseding indictment filed in federal court on Thursday. The new charges expand the timeline of Combs’ alleged crimes and could potentially result in a longer prison sentence.
The first new count alleges that Combs engaged in sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion between 2021 and 2024. The second alleges that within that same time period, Combs also transported multiple individuals — including an unnamed victim — “on multiple occasions with the intent that they engage in prostitution.” Combs had already been indicted on counts of sex trafficking and transporting to engage in prostitution spanning from 2009 to 2018.
NPR reached out to the lead attorney for Combs and Combs Global, Marc Agnifilo, for comment on the new charges and is awaiting comment. In the past, Combs’ representatives have denied all allegations against him; he has pleaded not guilty to two prior indictments.
The new indictment filed in the U.S. District Court – Southern District of New York still includes one count of racketeering conspiracy alleging that between 2004 and 2024, Combs Enterprises — including media, music, fashion and alcohol spirits companies — functioned as a criminal organization that facilitated and concealed Combs’ alleged crimes. These include “a persistent and pervasive pattern of abuse toward women and other individuals,” including verbal, physical, emotional and sexual abuse that extended to his own employees. The charges allege that Combs Enterprises’ activities violated U.S. racketeering laws through kidnapping, arson, bribery, forced labor and more.
Jury selection for Combs’ trial is set to begin on May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. In addition to federal charges, Combs faces more than two dozen civil lawsuits for sexual assault, rape, sex trafficking and more.
What to know about the Nobel Peace Prize
Anticipation is growing and bookies around the world are taking bets on who'll be awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Here is what to know ahead of the award announcement this week.
The 10th and final escapee from a New Orleans jailbreak is captured after five months
Ten men escaped the Orleans Parish Justice Center through a hole in the wall behind a toilet on May 16. Most were captured within days, but Derrick Groves managed to elude authorities until Wednesday.
Why being in credit card debt doesn’t mean you’re bad with money
Financial educators bust three common myths about credit card debt — and explain why these negative assumptions can hold us back from making smart money decisions.
Pope Leo says faith and love for migrants are connected
In his first major document as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo urges nations and believers to care for the poorest in society.
In Utah, a group that helped prompt the redistricting says it’s acting on faith
Mormon Women for Ethical Government was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that could overturn Utah's Republican-leaning map for U.S. House seats. That could matter in next year's elections.
Need a laptop? This retiree refurbishes laptops, gives them away to those in need
Craig Clark, 79, calls himself the "Tech Fairy." Clark spends his time refurbishing old laptops and giving them away for free to people who need them.
