Federal prosecutors in New York expect to rest their case against Sean Combs on Monday, relying on testimony of nearly three dozen witnesses and hundreds of exhibits to try to prove the hip-hop impresario ran a criminal conspiracy that trafficked women and transported prostitutes.
The final witness for the prosecution, Joseph Cerciello of Homeland Security Investigations, walked the jury through reams of travel records, hotel invoices and money transfers that prosecutors hope will convince the jury that Combs and his associates trafficked his ex-girlfriend, known by the pseudonym "Jane."
Combs' former assistant Brendan Paul told the jury he bought and carried drugs for Combs. Paul was arrested in March 2024 for cocaine possession while aboard a private plane with Combs.
"Was the cocaine yours, Mr. Paul?" prosecutor Christy Slavik asked. "No," Paul answered.
"Whose cocaine was it?" Slavik followed up. "Mr. Combs," Paul responded.
The criminal enterprise Combs is accused of operating committed drug offenses, according to federal prosecutors. Combs has conceded he used illicit drugs but has denied running a criminal enterprise.
Paul also told the jury that Combs wanted his assistants to "move like SEAL Team Six" and anticipate his every need. He testified it was part of his job to buy a pound of marijuana every two months and to score a powdery mix of ketamine and Molly called Tusi that was "dyed pink for the aesthetic."
Paul testified he set up hotel rooms for freak offs, which he knew as "wild king nights," stocking items like lubricant and baby oil. The jury saw photos of the items arranged in Combs' Los Angeles homes.
On cross-examination, Paul testified he never noticed "Jane" being hesitant or apprehensive about participating in what she called "hotel nights."
Once prosecutors rest, defense attorneys said their case would take a day or two.