Northeast
Sean 'Diddy' Combs hotel video likely to speed up federal case, investigator says
The shocking release Friday of years-old hotel security video that allegedly shows billionaire entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs beating up then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in Los Angeles is likely to speed up the federal investigation into the Bad Boy Records founder’s conduct, according to an expert on hip-hop related crime.
Derrick Parker, a former investigator with the NYPD’s rap intelligence unit who played a role in the 1999 investigation into a nightclub shooting where Combs was charged but later acquitted, said federal prosecutors are going to react strongly to the newly emerged footage.
“Everybody’s gonna see this, and they’re gonna see what a real dirtbag he is,” Parker told Fox News Digital. “The public itself is gonna see him in a different light. The government now is likely gonna accelerate his case.”
SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTS EX-GIRLFRIEND CASSIE VENTURA IN NEWLY RELEASED HOTEL VIDEO
Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie Ventura attend “The Perfect Match” premiere in Los Angeles March 7, 2016. (Matt Baron/Shutterstock)
He predicted federal racketeering (RICO) charges against Combs before July 4.
The video, recorded in 2016, remained hidden from public scrutiny until CNN exclusively obtained it Friday afternoon.
It allegedly shows Combs, wearing just socks and a towel around his waist, brutally beating Ventura in the hallway of a luxe Los Angeles hotel.
“This video is very damaging to his case,” Parker said. “This is gonna hurt him badly, because it adds credence to what Ms. Ventura has been alleging about the abuse from him.”
A still image from Los Angeles surveillance video appears to show Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016. (Obtained Exclusively by CNN)
Ventura sued Combs in November, alleging physical and sexual abuse and described the encounter in court documents. The parties settled a day later for an undisclosed sum.
SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS ACCUSERS CAN’T BE SILENCED BY NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS IN TRAFFICKING PROBE: EXPERTS
“Mr. Combs became extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye,” her lawyers alleged in court documents.
He was drunk, according to the lawsuit, and when he passed out, she tried to sneak out. But he allegedly woke up and resumed screaming at her, followed her into the hallway, threw her on the ground and smashed a vase on the floor.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team filed a new motion to dismiss claims in one of four lawsuits against the rapper. (Shareif Ziyadat)
More accusers came forward in the following months, and federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations raided two of Combs’ mansions in March, leading to widespread speculation that criminal charges would follow.
In addition to the accusers coming forward with civil lawsuits, authorities in Miami arrested a Combs associate named Brendan Paul on drug charges.
“They build these factors into a RICO case,” Parker said. “They had this one supplying him guns. This one supplying drugs. He had all these women at sex parties.”
SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS PROBE: RECORD LABEL FIRES BACK AFTER MALE MUSIC PRODUCER ACCUSES MOGUL OF SEX ASSAULT
Sean “Diddy” Combs rides a bicycle from his home across the Star Island Bridge in Miami Beach, Fla., April 4, 2024. (Romain Maurice/Mega for Fox News Digital)
Parker said he expects racketeering and trafficking charges.
And the video is going to hurt his defense, Parker said. A lot.
READ THE VENTURA COMPLAINT – APP USERS, CLICK HERE:
“It makes him look like a liar, because he said all these things are false allegations against me,” Parker said. “You can’t clear your name over that, kicking her and dragging her and slapping her.”
Combs’ team did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Parker, who wrote the book “Notorious C.O.P.” about his experience in the NYPD’s hip-hop unit, warned in April that evidence in Ventura’s case would be subpoenaed by the Justice Department, overriding any potential nondisclosure agreement reached in the settlement.
Sean “Diddy” Combs smiles at boaters as they pass by his Star Island home in Miami Beach, Fla., April 7, 2024. (Zak Bennett for Fox News Digital)
“She already alleged some criminal acts, right before he settled with her,” Parker told Fox News Digital. “They could subpoena her about what she said, how she knew.”
In court filings, she claimed Combs not only raped her and subjected her to physical abuse but also blew up another man’s car, regularly hired prostitutes and forced her to carry his gun and procure drugs.
Read the full article from Here
Maine
This Classic New England-Style Cottage in Maine Has 200 Feet of Atlantic Ocean Frontage
A waterfront home with open ocean views on the coast of Maine came to market Tuesday asking $4 million.
Built in 1978, the three-bedroom cottage is at the southern point of Cape Elizabeth, less than 10 miles from downtown Portland. The 1.1-acre property on Sunny Bank Road features 200 feet of south-facing water frontage on the wide open Atlantic.
It is bordered by a rocky sea wall that’s about 28 feet high, according to listing agent Sam Michaud Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
“The views are like a Monet painting,” he said via email. “The water sparkles and the waves are endless.”
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The 3,364-square-foot home was built in classic New England style, with shingle siding, a single sloped roofline and large windows—complemented by white-washed walls, exposed-beam ceilings and wide-plank flooring on the interiors.
The main common area features cathedral ceilings with a step-down between the living and dining room, and a partial wall divides the dining room from the kitchen. There is also a wood-paneled family room off the kitchen, a gym and a covered porch.
The sellers purchased the property in 2010 for $1.562 million, according to property records accessed through PropertyShark. They could not immediately be reached for comment.
“I have received quite a few inquiries since hitting the market two days ago,” Michaud said. “Buyers understand that this is a golden opportunity to own over an acre with 200 feet of bold oceanfront in Cape Elizabeth.”
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There are currently just seven three-bedroom homes available for sale in Cape Elizabeth and fewer than five waterfront properties, according to Sotheby’s and Zillow data. It is also the most expensive listing in the town, with another waterfront property on a tiny lot just south of Portland coming in a close second, according to Zillow.
Michaud sold the former Cape Elizabeth home of Bette Davis this past summer for $13.4 million, the priciest sale on the cape in at least a decade—and even those views can’t compare. They’re “just magical,” he said.
Massachusetts
Body part found in Shirley, Massachusetts pond, police suspect foul play
A body part was found in a pond in Shirley, Massachusetts and investigators said foul play is suspected.
It was discovered around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday as a group of people were walking along Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road.
Police said the group noticed something suspicious in the water of Phoenix Pond. The Middlesex District Attorney confirmed that the item was a body part, but would not elaborate.
Police shut down the road and divers could be seen exploring the pond late Wednesday. Authorities were back at the scene Thursday morning.
No other information is available at this point in the investigation.
Phoenix Pond connects to the Catacoonamug Brook, which flows into the Nashua River. It’s also connected to Lake Shirley.
Shirley, Massachusetts is about 44 miles northwest of Boston and around 13 miles from the New Hampshire border.
New Hampshire
NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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