Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial is set to begin in May after a superseding indictment added two new victims to his case. The latest development comes as lawyer Anthony Ricco stepped down from the case, citing attorney-client privilege as the reason for his departure. In a motion filed on February 18, Ricco stated that he could no longer effectively serve as counsel due to confidentiality concerns.
The change in staff will not delay the trial schedule, according to lead counsel Marc Agnifilo. Government prosecutors had been notified but did not take a stance. Diddy is facing three charges: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. His team has also claimed that his federal sexual misconduct charges are racially motivated.
In a broader context, the case is being brought under the Mann Act, a 1910 law prohibiting the transportation of women across state lines for “immoral purposes”. Diddy’s lawyers argue that he was singled out due to his racial and professional status.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/diddy-lawyer-anthony-ricco-abruptly-151705595.html