In a significant development in the ongoing legal troubles of music mogul Diddy, a grand jury has reportedly been empaneled to hear evidence in his federal probe, indicating the possibility of a criminal indictment. CNN reported on Wednesday that the Justice Department is moving forward with its investigation, notifying potential witnesses of their possible testimony before the grand jury in the Southern District of New York.
According to two sources familiar with the situation, some of the potential witnesses are likely to be Diddy’s accusers who have filed lawsuits against him, alleging serious offenses such as sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes. Eight lawsuits have so far named Diddy, one of which was a well-known one that Cassie, his ex-girlfriend, quickly settled.
CNN also reported that Homeland Security Investigations agents are meticulously building a “bulletproof” case against Diddy, taking their time to ensure the strength of the evidence before any potential indictment is issued.
For those unfamiliar with the legal process, a grand jury, consisting of ordinary citizens, often signifies that an investigation has progressed from the preliminary stage to a new phase. During this phase, prosecutors present evidence and witness testimony to the jurors, who ultimately vote on whether to criminally charge the defendant.
The most recent developments in Diddy’s case come after police raided his homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March as part of a federal investigation into alleged sex and drug trafficking as well as firearm-related violations.
Earlier this month, CNN released surveillance video depicting Diddy physically assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office stated that they were unable to prosecute the case due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
As the federal probe intensifies and the possibility of a criminal indictment looms, Diddy’s legal team will undoubtedly be working to counter the allegations and protect their client’s interests. The empaneling of the grand jury marks a significant step in the investigation, and the outcome of these proceedings could have far-reaching consequences for the music mogul’s future.
TMZ
