Federal prosecutors spent the 11th day of Sean Combs’ criminal trial presenting graphic and wide-ranging testimony to support their racketeering and sex trafficking charges against the music mogul. The testimony included stories of alleged gun possession, sexual coercion, and a criminal enterprise maintained through violence and fear.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of orchestrating a broad scheme to sexually exploit individuals while using threats and firearms to silence and control victims.
Ex-Assistant Testifies About Guns and Suge Knight Confrontation
David James, Sean Combs’ former personal assistant, testified that he once drove Combs—allegedly armed with three guns—to confront rival record executive Suge Knight at Mel’s Drive-In.
James recounted how Combs ignored pleas from then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura not to escalate the situation. “Cassie looked very distressed,” he testified. “She was telling him not to go.”
This incident reportedly marked the turning point for James, who said he realized, “My life was in danger.”
Prosecutors cited this event as evidence that Combs used “violence, use of firearms, threats of violence, [and] coercion” to protect his enterprise.
Drug Purchases, Sex Parties, and Immunity Claims
James also admitted to purchasing drugs and preparing hotel rooms with sexual paraphernalia for Combs. He testified he once walked in on an explicit encounter involving Ventura and a male sex worker. Under cross-examination, James acknowledged participating in sex work himself and being granted immunity for his testimony.
Cassie Ventura’s Mother Says Combs Blackmailed Her Daughter
Regina Ventura, mother of Cassie Ventura, told the court she took out a home equity loan to pay Combs $20,000 after he allegedly threatened to release explicit sex tapes of her daughter.
“I was scared for my daughter’s safety,” she testified. “The sex tapes threw me.”
She also documented injuries on Cassie, which prosecutors presented as evidence to support the abuse allegations.
‘The Punisher’ Testifies to Dozens of Sexual Encounters
Male escort Sharay Hayes, known as “The Punisher,” testified that he was hired by Cassie Ventura to perform for Combs at Trump International Hotel & Tower in Manhattan. He described a dimly lit room, baby oil, electronic candles, and Combs allegedly watching the performance nude while offering subtle instructions.
Hayes said he worked for the couple up to a dozen times, earning between $1,200 and $2,000 per encounter. He claimed Ventura never appeared uncomfortable but acknowledged that his refusal to perform sexually during their final encounter stemmed from performance anxiety.
Federal Agent Details Weapons With Defaced Serial Numbers
Federal agent Gerard Gannon was the final witness of the day. He testified that a March 2024 raid on Combs’ Miami Beach residence uncovered multiple assault-style weapons with defaced serial numbers—an explicit violation of federal firearms laws.
He displayed the weapons in court and described finding ammunition stored alongside lingerie and high-heeled platform shoes. Prosecutors say this supports claims that Combs used weapons and intimidation to support his alleged criminal operations.
Trial Continues With Expert and Celebrity Witnesses
Prosecutors are expected to continue building their racketeering and sex trafficking case against Sean Combs on Wednesday with testimony from psychologist Dr. Dawn Hughes, former assistant George Kaplan, and rapper Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi.
As the trial progresses, the focus keyword Sean Combs criminal trial continues to dominate headlines with disturbing revelations.
