Sean “Diddy” Combs arrested by federal agents in New York City – WSOC TV

NEW YORK – Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested Monday night in New York City by federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations, multiple sources told ABC News.

Sources told ABC News that a grand jury in a federal court in Manhattan indicted Combs and subsequently ordered his arrest.

The charges remain sealed.

Combs' attorney Marc Agnifilo issued a statement on the news, calling it “an unjust prosecution.”

“We are disappointed in the U.S. Attorney's decision to prosecute Mr. Combs, which we believe is an unjustified prosecution. Sean “Diddy” Combs is a music icon, a self-made entrepreneur, a loving family man and a proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children and working to advance the black community,” the statement said. “He is an imperfect human being, but he is not a criminal. To Mr. Combs' credit, he has fully cooperated with this investigation and voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve judgment until you know all of the facts. These are the actions of an innocent man with nothing to hide and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”

Combs has been under investigation for nearly a year since his longtime ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura made allegations against him in a civil lawsuit. At least 10 more lawsuits followed. Combs has denied the allegations in all of them.

Combs' homes in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by federal agents in March, authorities said.

A spokesman for Homeland Security Investigations said in a statement at the time that the raid was conducted as part of an “ongoing investigation.”

Law enforcement sources also told ABC News in late March that federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations seized a number of electronic devices during a court-ordered search of Combs' two properties.

The searches in Los Angeles and Miami were part of a federal investigation into the hip-hop and alcohol mogul for sex trafficking, the sources said.

HSI agents searched Combs' mansions and collected evidence as part of an investigation led by United States Attorneys for the Southern District of New York.

Several women have filed civil lawsuits against Combs, accusing him of rape, sex trafficking and other alleged abuses. He has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

No further details were announced.

This is a developing story. Check back with www.wsoctv.com for updates.

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