A man who worked as a personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs has been formally charged with felony drug possession.
Brendan Paul, 25, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, April 24, during his arraignment hearing in Miami, Local 10 News reported.
Paul was not physically present at the arraignment, his attorney Brian Bieber said. It’s unclear why Paul did not attend the hearing.
“We entered Brendan’s plea of not guilty in court today. We will be dealing with this case in the courtroom, not the court of public opinion,” Bieber said in a statement to the TV station.
Related Story: Diddy Hit With Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Music Producer Lil Rod
Court records show Paul was initially charged with two felony counts, but one count of possession of a controlled substance was dropped.
Paul was described as Combs’ alleged drug “mule” in a sexual assault lawsuit filed by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones against Combs in February.
The suit alleged Paul “acquires and distributes, Mr. Combs’ drugs and guns.”
The complaint additionally alleged one of Paul’s duties was to pay sex workers hired to entertain Combs and his guests.
Paul was taken into custody on March 25 at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport amid a sex trafficking investigation into Combs.
Police said they found what was believed to be cocaine and marijuana gummies in his luggage.
The police report obtained by Local 10 News alleged Paul “had the contraband inside of his personal travel bags, which he claimed prior to being searched.”
TMZ posted video of Combs pacing around the same Florida airport on March 25 as Homeland Security agents raided the mogul’s mansions in Miami and Los Angeles. The outlet reported Diddy was stopped by the feds at the airport, but was not arrested.
Two of the hip-hop mogul’s sons were detained at his estate in L.A. during the raids, but no arrests were made.
Combs’ attorney Aaron Dyer accused federal agents of a “witch hunt.”
“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.” Dyer said in a statement. “This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuit.”
Paul, who grew up in Ohio, once had a promising future.
He played college basketball for two seasons at Syracuse University in upstate New York before transferring in 2020 to Fairmont State University in West Virginia, Syracuse.com reported.
Paul’s player profile on the Syracuse University website said he majored in sports management and made the honor roll.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
