Tonight, the multiple homes of Sean Diddy Combs from coast
to coast raided by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents.
Heavily armed and armored tactical teams sweeping through Combs's posh
Los Angeles property this afternoon,
guns drawn, clearing room to room people in handcuffs as
agents made their way through the property.
A similar scene playing out in Diddy's homes more than
2000 miles away on Miami Star Island,
where several celebrities including Gloria and Emilio Stefan and Jennifer
Lopez also have homes.
The fact that Diddy's home was raided means that agents
for Homeland Security were able to show probable cause that
a crime was committed and that evidence of that alleged
crime would be found. At these homes.
Combs whereabouts right now Unknown but multiple sources tell NBC
News Diddy was in the Miami area when the searches
began.
The raids were conducted by DHS on search warrants originating
from federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York,
a person familiar tells NBC News multiple witnesses have been
interviewed by prosecutors and investigators in connection with the case.
The speed at which it appears these raids were conducted
suggests that agents were concerned that they needed to secure
evidence quickly.
And prevent anyone from destroying evidence before they got there.
It's the latest in illegal firestorm surrounding the 54 year
old music mogul,
with multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault,
abuse, harassment, forced drugging and the distribution of illegal firearms
and narcotics.
The allegations began last year with Comsey's ex partner,
R&B singer Cassie, filing a lawsuit in New York.
She was seeking $30 million,
alleging physical and sexual abuse as well as sex trafficking.
They settled for an undisclosed amount.
Several other women came forward with similar accusations.
Representatives for Combs did not immediately respond to NB CS
request for comment.
And Steve, you're joining us now outside a home that
feds have been going through all day.
Are they still there?
Lester Absolutely. This is still an incredibly active scene,
with police activity stretching beyond this roadblock,
really, as far as the ACT can see into this
affluent,
quiet neighborhood. We're hearing a very similar situation in Cena,
Miami, where multiple sources are now telling us that 3
phones were seized at Diddy's property 2000 miles away.