The federal criminal trial of rapper and music producer, Sean Combs, has wrapped up in Lower Manhattan, New York. Mr. Combs has been charged with Racketeering Conspiracy, Sex Trafficking by Force or Coercion, and Transportation to Engage in Prostitution. His accusers claim that he raped, trafficked and physically assaulted them multiple times over a ten year period. Mr. Combs has denied the allegations, and has stated that his accusers engaged consensual relations with him., and that his personal relationships are unrelated to his business enterprises. The federal prosecutors have painted Mr. Combs as a violent man, who used his status and power to victimize two former girlfriends, and to operate his business enterprises for criminal purposes. The defense has countered that the statements against him are part of a “money grab” by his accusers. If convicted of the charges, Mr. Combs faces the potential of decades in federal prison.
What is a RICO charge?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law enacted to combat organized criminal activity. While it originally targeted traditional organized crime, prosecutors now use it for many different cases including when they believe...
