Where the sex trafficking trial stands
- David James, Combs' former personal assistant, took the witness stand today, followed by Cassie Ventura's mother, Regina Ventura, and a male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, whose nickname is "The Punisher."
- Regina Ventura said she documented her daughter's bruises, allegedly received at the hands of Combs; once called police on Combs when he took Ventura's phone; and that Combs demanded $20,000 in exchange for sex tapes with Ventura on them. The money was later returned, she said.
- The government is expected to call Combs' former chef, Jourdan Atkinson, to the stand today.
- Combs faces five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vociferously denied the allegations against him.
- This live briefing may include graphic descriptions of sexual violence. For resources on sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.
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Guns seized from Combs in Miami had serial numbers scratched off
Some guns seized from Combs by federal agents in Miami had their serial numbers scratched off, making it more difficult for authorities to trace a weapon's history, a federal agent said.
The government presented pictures of seized goods to Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who led the searches in Miami of Combs' properties.
Prosecutors also showed Gannon pictures of weapons, bullets and magazines, as well as sex-related items.
Kid Cudi expected to take the stand
Scott Mescudi, also known as Kid Cudi, is expected to take the witness stand this week.
If he does not testify tomorrow, he may take the stand Thursday.
Court has adjourned for the day
Court has adjourned for the day and will reconvene tomorrow morning.
Agent walks jury through Combs' Miami property raid
Prosecutors brought up photos of Combs' Star Island home as Special Agent Gerard Gannon explained how agents executed search warrants on the Miami property.
He told the court the property's extensive size required dozens of people to search the 20,000-square-foot home. He noted that agents cleared the house and were assigned in teams of two to search each room.
Photographers were taking photos of items before they were bagged with a description of each item and where it was found. Gannon said it was his job to compile an itemized list and that he went through every piece of evidence to break it down into categories.
Federal agent who raided Combs' Miami home takes witness stand
Special Agent Gerard Gannon, the government's 10th witness to date, has taken the stand.
Gannon worked for Homeland Security Investigations and was responsible for the overall planning of the raid on Combs' Miami home on Star Island.
Prosecutors push back on Ventura's emotions during sex scenes
In a brief redirect, Hayes was asked more about Ventura's time during their sex scenes with Combs.
Prosecutor Meredith Foster asked about the one time Ventura appeared to enjoy herself but also asked Hayes about the other times where she would apparently wince and sigh. Foster asked whether Ventura's focus was on Combs.
Hayes said that there was a consistent awareness to Combs and his perception and his desires of the moment.
Hayes then left the witness stand.
Ventura appeared to be a willing player in sex scenes, stripper says
In a dozen or so sexual performances, Hayes never had the sense Ventura was uncomfortable with it all, he testified.
The sex worker agreed with defense attorney Xavier Donaldson's leading questions that Ventura wasn't in any "discomfort" while performing in front of Combs.
He said it seemed like it was consensual, agreeing with Donaldson's description of Combs as a director of the scenes.
Police called over Combs' chef being fired in 2008, records show
David James, Combs' former personal assistant, testified earlier today that the mogul once asked him to file a police report alleging Combs' personal chef assaulted him.
James told the court he didn't do it because he didn't want to make a "false report." The incident occurred in Alpine, New Jersey, according to James, but a date was not given.
Records of 911 calls to Combs' former Alpine residence obtained by NBC News show that police were called March 22, 2008, over an issue with Combs' personal chef. It's unclear if this was the same incident James was referring to when he didn't file a report.
A man named David James told police the chef was fired and left upset but "stated that there were no threats" made by her, according to the report. Police advised Combs and James that it was a civil matter.
"Mr. Combs was satisfied and just wanted to make this a matter of record due to his celebrity status," the report said.
'The Punisher' says he was hired up to a dozen times
The first encounter with Ventura and Combs led to a healthy tip and more gigs, Hayes said.
She said thank you and was handed more money, which he counted in the elevator and realized it was $1,200," Hayes said of that first encounter at Trump Tower, adding that he now knows one of his clients was Sean Combs.
In total, Hayes estimated he performed for the couple from eight to a dozen times.
He said he was called to the first rendezvous by a woman who called herself "Janet," but it didn't take long for him to realize who his clients were — one of the biggest names in the music industry and his well-known girlfriend.
Hayes said he eventually saw Combs' face and that Combs wore a baseball cap, adding that he is a fan of the rapper and follows him on Instagram.
Hayes said he got the nickname “The Punisher” as a teenager because of his prowess on the basketball court.
Cassie's parents depart Manhattan federal court
Regina Ventura and Rodrick Ventura, left, parents of Cassie Ventura, today in New York City.
