Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs prosecutor fired by Department of Justice
Federal prosecutor Maurene Comey was sacked by the Department of Justice earlier this week. She was famously the lead prosecutor in Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ sex trafficking trial, which concluded in July.
Maurene, an assistant attorney in the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, lost her job under Article II of the Constitution, which concerns the president’s powers.
Interestingly, Maurene is the daughter of former FBI director James Comey, whom Donald Trump fired during his first term as president. He attacked Comey for his role in investigations about Russian interference claims in the 2016 election.
In addition to Combs, Maurene was previously involved in the case of Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Maurene prosecuted Maxwell, resulting in a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking and other charges.
Following her dismissal, Maurene messaged her colleagues, telling them to do their jobs without fear despite her termination.
“Every person lucky enough to work in this office constantly hears four words to describe our ethos: Without Fear or Favour,” she said in a letter obtained by Reuters. “Do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons without fear of retribution and without favour to the powerful.
“We have entered a new phase where ‘without fear’ may be the challenge. If a career prosecutor can be fired without reason, fear may seep into the decisions of those who remain. Do not let that happen. Fear is the tool of a tyrant, wielded to suppress independent thought.”
Combs’ trial concluded with the rapper being found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, meaning he won’t receive a life sentence.