Attorney Aaron Dyer, representing Sean “Diddy” Combs, condemned the recent searches conducted at two of the musician’s residences by federal authorities. Dyer stated to CNN on Tuesday that the use of military-level force during the search warrants was excessive and unjustified, particularly noting the treatment of Combs’ children and employees.
The searches were part of a federal investigation into Combs, led by the US attorney for the Southern District of New York and carried out by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Transnational Organized Crime Division. This investigation, focusing on human trafficking, is connected to allegations previously raised in civil lawsuits against Combs, which he has denied.
Heavily armed HSI teams searched Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami, with some agents arriving in armored vehicles due to concerns about armed private security. Agents were authorized to seize documents, phones, computers, and other electronic devices as potential evidence.
Despite media speculation, Combs was not detained during the searches but cooperated with authorities. Dyer emphasized that neither Combs nor any family members have been arrested or had their travel restricted. He criticized the search as an “unprecedented ambush” and emphasized Combs’ innocence, asserting that the allegations against him are meritless.
Combs and his daughters were preparing for a spring break trip when the searches occurred. Sources close to him described the federal operation as “overzealous” and raised concerns about media involvement, suggesting that law enforcement actions may have been leaked.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs: Allegations, Lawsuits, and Denials
Sean “Diddy” Combs faces allegations of sexual misconduct across five separate lawsuits filed in recent months, which he has consistently denied. The federal probe into Combs does not specify which of these allegations it encompasses.
In November, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs, alleging rape, forced engagement in sex trafficking, and years of abuse. The lawsuit was settled shortly after, with Combs’ attorney emphasizing that the settlement didn’t imply an admission of guilt.
Shortly after, Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1991, as well as being a victim of “revenge porn.”
In December, an anonymous woman filed a federal lawsuit accusing Combs of sex trafficking and gang rape in 2003 when she was 17. Combs formally denied these allegations, citing prejudice due to the delay in filing and potential evidence loss over time.
Additionally, former employee Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual assault and running a criminal sex trafficking organization. Combs’ attorney dismissed these claims as falsehoods.
An amended complaint in March accused Combs and singer Aaron Hall of battery and sexual assault in 1990. Combs vehemently denied these accusations.
Combs has denied all allegations, decrying them as attempts to tarnish his reputation for financial gain. Several lawsuits claim that the alleged misconduct was recorded, with Ventura stating Combs filmed their interactions and Jones claiming to possess extensive footage of illegal activity involving Combs and his associates.
Arrest Made in Drug Bust Linked to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Associate
On Monday, amidst the execution of search warrants at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ residences in Miami Beach and Los Angeles by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, a 25-year-old man associated with Combs was apprehended at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on drug-related charges, as stated in an arrest affidavit. Identified as Brendan Paul, a former basketball player at Syracuse University hailing from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, he was taken into custody while HSI investigators were conducting their searches at Combs’ properties.
According to the arrest affidavit, the arresting officers collaborated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection during the operation. Paul was charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana-laced candy, with law enforcement officials alleging that the drugs were discovered inside his personal travel bags.
Following his arrest, Paul spent the night at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and was released on bond the following morning, as confirmed by the Miami-Dade clerk of the court and comptroller. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 24 at 9 a.m.
Notably, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ name did not surface in Paul’s arrest affidavit. However, Paul was mentioned in a lawsuit filed by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones against Combs and other co-defendants. Despite this mention, Jones did not file any claims against Paul directly. In his complaint, Jones described Paul as “Mr. Combs’ mule,” alleging that he facilitated the acquisition and distribution of drugs and guns on behalf of Combs.
Brian Bieber, an attorney representing Paul, declined to comment extensively on Monday’s arrest and the allegations outlined in Jones’ lawsuit, asserting that all matters would be addressed in court proceedings rather than through media channels.
