Statement On The Verdict In U.S. V. Sean Combs

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel, on the verdict in U.S. v. Sean Combs:

Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society.  Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma.  New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice. 

Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories.  We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases.  

Today we recognize the important work of the SDNY’s Civil Rights Unit as well as the tireless efforts of the women and men at HSI who are devoted to combatting human trafficking.  We thank the Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York, Digital Forensic Unit and the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement (CASE) Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.  We would also like to thank our partners at the NYPD for their assistance in this matter and for sharing our victim-centered approach to combatting sex crimes.