What Did The FBI Find In Diddy’s Homes?

Using The FBI Raid On Sean Diddy Combs’ Homes To Understand And Learn How To Block (Or Not) A Police Raid With New Orleans Defense Attorney George McGregor.

Police vehicles roll up with sirens, officers pull their guns, a young black man is shoved against a wall and put in handcuffs, and a home is turned inside-out and searched. It is a scene that plays out nearly every day across the state of Louisiana, especially in New Orleans. It is also almost exactly what happened at two homes belonging to the rap mogul and producer Sean Diddy Combs in Miami and Los Angeles this spring.

Indeed, on March 25th, news helicopters from what seemed like every major news outlet were catching live footage of the rapper’s two homes being raided by everyone from local law enforcement to federal officers from at least two different agencies. Since then, we have learned a little bit about what was found but have received few clear answers on what exactly the FBI was looking for and what law enforcement intends to do with whatever they found.

While it is not clear whether the raid on Diddy Combs’ home was a success or a failure, one thing is certain: the raid has shed light on the difficulties, dangers and distress of police and FBI raids. In its wake, there are several key lessons everyone can learn, especially in New Orleans, as Louisiana criminal defense lawyer George McGregor explains.

What Went Down At Diddy’s Homes During The FBI Raids On March 25th

If there is still uncertainty about the reasons and success of the double raid on P Diddy’s two properties on opposite sides of the country, the actual events are not being contested by either side.

On March 25th, two properties, both belonging to Mr Sean Combs, were simultaneously raided by law enforcement officers from a combination of agencies in Los Angeles and Florida. Media reporters, including aerial observers, quickly arrived on the scene, though Diddy was not, in fact, currently in either location.

Camera footage captured numerous officers in tactical gear, including some pointing firearms at two of Diddy’s sons, Justin and Christian. Both ended up being handcuffed, interrogated and later released without any charges being filed against them.

According to leaks and various reports and news sources, the FBI didn’t come away empty-handed, however. In addition to confiscating at least one phone, they reportedly found firearms, and some have speculated about illicit substances. In a different raid on the same day, a former Diddy associate (and alleged drug mule), Brendan Paul, was arrested on drug charges connected to marijuana and cocaine possession.

But did the FBI and other agencies get what they were looking for? If so, why is Diddy not in jail? Why has Diddy not been arrested yet?

Were The Raids On Diddy Combs’ Homes A Bust?

As Louisiana criminal defense attorney George McGregor knows all too well, when law enforcement shows up at a New Orleans home, an arrest is usually made. In Diddy’s case, however, the rapper and producer continues to walk free despite the massive raids.

While some might say this is due to Sean Combs’ position of privilege, power, or financial resources, others might say it suggests the case against Diddy is not ready yet…or lacks crucial evidence.

While speculation about the first theory is common, the second is more credible. Such raids are designed to secure evidence and gather information connected to specific allegations. In this case, these are likely to be the trafficking and other accusations levied against Mr Combs in various lawsuits, including one by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

In fact, many are also surprised that Diddy was not taken straight to jail to be charged after a video was leaked by CNN earlier this summer showing him assaulting Cassie Ventura, allegedly. However, as criminal defense attorneys will be quick to remind you, the statute of limitations on that crime has passed, which means LA law enforcement can do nothing, though the public is not about to forget.

Only time will tell if the raids were worth the effort. No doubt the result will depend on whether Diddy gets charged, what felonies or misdemeanors he is accused of, officially, and what evidence Homeland Security and the FBI were able to gather alongside local sheriffs. Either way, the raids and everyone’s behavior during and after them reveal some important lessons for New Orleans parishioners about police raids in general.

What Can We Learn From Diddy About Dealing With A Police Or FBI Raid?

Florida and Los Angeles might seem far removed from New Orleans, but the risks of police raids are just as real and arguably even deadlier. Having defended many New Orleans residents against criminal accusations involving home raids, evidence gathered there, and very physical arrests, criminal defense attorney George McGregor has drawn up a few key steps anyone, even Diddy, should follow.

1. Step 1: Stay calm. Too many shooting deaths at the hands of the police happen because of escalation or flight or fight responses. Do your best to stay calm and try to get witnesses/friends/family/surveillance of their arrival and behavior. In Diddy’s case, media surveillance may have helped avoid law enforcement misbehavior or tragedy.
2. Step 2: Do not resist, but do not consent. Law enforcement cannot enter your home without a warrant, so if they show up on your doorstep, talk to them outside, and do not invite them in without seeing a warrant and checking it with an attorney. If they go in or get in anyway, do not try to physically stop or impede them; simply make clear that they do not have your consent. This will invalidate anything they do find if they are acting illegally.
3. Step 3: Call a lawyer. There is no denying that Diddy has exceptional lawyers; given his resources, he can afford the very best. And they have their work cut out for them. However, a criminal defense lawyer is invaluable, whether or not you have been arrested or are just being investigated like Diddy. A lawyer can help question the warrant, get evidence thrown out, guide your answers and make sure you know when to say nothing at all.

The government can often feel like a mighty giant and the “militaristic” raids against P Diddy certainly made that apparent; you should not and do not have to fight that giant alone. Get a local defense lawyer on your side right away.

A Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyer Not Afraid To Stand Up To Government Or FBI Raids

If the police are knocking at or smashing down your door, it is high time you contact an attorney. In Louisiana, that means you better call G. Criminal defense lawyer George McGregor is fearless in the face of injustice, especially when the powerful want to pick on those without.

Whether your insurance company turned down a legitimate claim or the police are taking action against you, like Sean Diddy Combs, you deserve to have someone standing up for your rights and keeping them accountable. Call our Louisiana office today at (504) 420-3222 or set up an appointment online as soon as possible to start working on your defense.