The sex-trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, which kicks off on Monday, marks the highest-profile case so far for a nascent group in the Manhattan US Attorney's office focusing on criminal prosecution of civil rights violations, reported Reuters.
Since its launch in 2022 by then-Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams, the unit has brought 21 criminal cases with allegations including antisemitic hate crimes, excessive use of force by law enforcement, sexual abuse of a minor, and environmental negligence by a construction contractor.
The nine-lawyer group, called the Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division, is separate from a longstanding Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. That unit generally brings civil lawsuits against companies and local government entities, including a lawsuit against New York City to try to reduce violence in jails.
The new criminal division unit has a solid record. It has secured 15 guilty pleas and one trial conviction, with two defendants acquitted at trial, according to a Reuters review of press releases and court records. Ten defendants charged by the unit, including Combs, have cases pending.
"There has been additional resources and time and attention" devoted to sex trafficking, Williams told reporters at the time.
The trial of Combs, who is known for elevating hip-hop in American culture, will bring more international attention to the unit's work than previous cases. Combs, 55, pleaded not guilty last September to forcing women to participate in sexual performances.
The prosecutors on Combs' case include Maurene Comey, who secured the conviction of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell on sex-trafficking charges at trial, and Mitzi Steiner, who charged Solano-Arias.
Victims of sexual violence can be hesitant to come forward, and prosecutors who specialise in such cases may be more effective, said Rachel Maimin, a former federal prosecutor in Manhattan.
"It's not the same as working with victims of other violent crimes," said Maimin, a partner at law firm Lowenstein Sandler.
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