This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Prosecutors inSean "Diddy" Combs'criminal trialare attempting to show the extreme lengths the hip-hop mogul went to conceal hisalleged pattern of abuse. The Grammy-winning rapper's sweeping federal sex-crimes case resumed in Manhattan court on June 4 after the jury heard from Eddy Garcia, a former security officer at a Los Angeles-area hotel where Combs and former girlfriendCasandra "Cassie" Ventura Finewerecaptured on tapeduring a 2016 altercation. Garcia told the court on June 3 that Combspaid $100,000 for a copy of the video, which showed himkicking, hitting and dragging Cassiein the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel. The attack was first described in Ventura Fine'sbombshell 2023 lawsuit, which accused Combs ofsexual assault, trafficking and more. CNN last year published the security footage from the hotel. Diddy on trial newsletter:Step inside the courtroom as music mogul faces sex-crimes charges. Aside from Garcia, several new names are expected to testify in the trial, including radio personality Enrique Santos. Combs, 55, wasarrested in September 2024and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. Garcia testified on June 3 that he was concerned about being in legal trouble forgiving the video to Combs, particularly if Ventura Fine filed a police report. The former security guard also said Combs told him he "didn't have to worry about it" because she "wanted it gone too." Garcia recalled that Combs asked for his ID, along with information from other security officers on the scene. He asked Garcia tosign a non-disclosure agreementand another document stating he'd provided the only copy of the video. After Garcia signed the documents, he said Combsbrought him $100,000 in a paper bag. Combs asked how he would spend the money, and allegedly advised him not to "make any big purchases." Garcia said he gave $50,000 to his boss, Bill Medrano, $22,000 to the other officer and kept $30,000 for himself. The court saw on June 3 bank statements that seemingly confirmed Ventura Fine's parentswired money to Bad Boyin December 2011 to prevent Combs from leaking tapes of her having sex in hisalleged "freak offs." The statements showed an outgoing wire transfer to Ventura Fine on Dec. 14, 2011, followed by a transfer from Ventura Fine to Bad Boy on Dec. 23, 2011. Days later, those funds werereturned to sender from Bad Boy. Ventura Fine's mother, Regina Ventura, previously testified that she was told she needed to wire Combs $20,000 after hethreatened to release the tapesof Ventura Fine. She said she "was scared for my daughter's safety" and was ordered to "pay Sean Combs because he demanded it." Discover WITNESS:Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more No, despite recently handing down a flurry of pardons, including one for reality starsTodd and Julie Chrisley,Trumpdid not include Combs on that list. But thatdoesn't mean he can't. According to Michigan State law professor Brian Kalt, Trump would be within his presidential rights to extend a preemptive pardon to Combs. "These are federal charges so that's the main limit,"Kalt tells USA TODAY. "The matter has (to) be federal, it has to be criminal vs. civil, and related to something that's already been done. But the person doesn't have to even be charged yet or convicted. TheSupreme Courthas said preemptive pardons are OK."When asked about a possible pardon during anOval Office press conferenceon May 30, Trump said he hadn't been approached about the legal matter but added, "I know people are thinking about it." Combs is facing federal sex-crimes and trafficking charges in a sprawling lawsuit that has eroded his status as a power player and kingmaker in the entertainment industry. He wasarrested in September 2024and later charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all five counts against him. Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. Using RICO law, which is typically aimed attargeting multi-person criminal organizations,prosecutors allegethat Combs coerced victims, some of whom they say were sex workers, through intimidation and narcotics to participate in"freak offs"— sometimes dayslong sex performances that federal prosecutors allege they have video of. The trial will not be televised, as cameras are typically not allowed in federal criminal trial proceedings. USA TODAY will be reporting live from the courtroom.Sign up for our newsletterfor more updates. Contributing: USA TODAY staff If you are a survivor of sexual assault,RAINNoffers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) andHotline.RAINN.organd en EspañolRAINN.org/es. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' efforts to conceal abuse uncovered
