Diddy Do It? Ex-Federal Agent Says Homeland Security Has 'Probable Cause' And 'Several Informants'
Properties owned by Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were reportedly subject to raids conducted by Homeland Security, Fox-11 reports.
Homeland Security issued a statement, stating: "Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available."
Combs's lavish Los Angeles estate is situated in the prestigious Holmby Hills neighborhood, neighboring Bel Air and Beverly Hills, while his Miami Beach residence is nestled on the exclusive Star Island.
Probable Cause
Former Federal Agent Myron Gains stated during a live stream with DJ Akademiks how Homeland Security "must have a lot of probable cause to search his home. Because at the federal level to get a federal search warrant it is fairly difficult."
DJ Akademiks requested further clarification, when Gains replied, "When you get a regular search warrant through the Feds you have to go to a Magistrate judge to get one. Think of a Magistrate judge as a lower-level judge than for example a District judge."
He proceeded to outline the procedure necessary for obtaining the type of search warrant typically required for federal crimes.
"AUSA's (Assistant United States Attorneys or Federal Prosecutors) are very picky about giving search warrants. To get a search warrant you have to go a Federal Prosecutor and then the US Attorney's office files a search warrant on your behalf with the judge."
Gains also emphasized that in high-profile cases, there is a heightened focus on meticulous attention to detail when drafting search warrants.
"When ever you have someone high profile like a Diddy or R.Kelly and they know that the raid will be highly publicized they are going to make sure that the search warrant is air tight and that they have a lot of probable cause."
Multiple Sources And Informants
Gains asserted that for Homeland Security to obtain a search warrant of this scale, they must rely on multiple sources of information and informants. To obtain entry to a "house, you need actionable information within two weeks to a month."
He further emphasized that for obtaining a federal search warrant, the information forming the basis of the warrant must be current rather than relying on older allegations.
Higher Level Agents On Site
The former agent observed that while some agents were dressed in tactical gear, others present at Diddy's mansions were attired in suits. "99% of agents don't wear a suit everyday to work, they just don't. We used to make fun of people who do that," he said.
He mentioned that the agents in suits on-site were likely "assistant special agents in charge, special agents in charge, deputy special agents in charge, etc.," indicating their high-ranking positions within the agency.
Equipment Indicates Severity
Gains also remarked how Homeland Security bringing out the evidence truck indicates that HSI are "dotting their I's and crossing their T's." He described the presence of the evidence truck as "overkill" and emphasized, "you don't do that s**t for everybody."
Gains concluded he anticipates Diddy will be arrested and formal charges will be filed by the end of this year.
