Charges against Brendan Paul, a former Syracuse University basketball player and alleged associate of Sean "Diddy" Combs, were dismissed on Tuesday after Paul completed a pretrial diversion program. Paul had been arrested in March at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on charges related to narcotics possession.
Paul's attorney, Brian Bieber, confirmed the dismissal, stating, "Mr. Paul's case was formally dismissed today-in its entirety." Paul had previously entered a plea agreement in May, which allowed him to join the diversion program, typically offered to first-time offenders. As part of the program, he fulfilled all required conditions over six months, leading to the formal dismissal of charges, court records confirm.
The arrest stemmed from a March 25 incident when authorities found suspected cocaine and marijuana candy in Paul's luggage. He was charged with felony possession of the substances but was later offered a deal to avoid further prosecution upon successful completion of the program. Bieber emphasized, "Brendan accepted the prosecutor's offer to permit his entry into the diversion program which, after completion, the case against him will be dismissed in its entirety."
Paul's name has also surfaced in civil lawsuits against Combs, who is facing federal criminal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Rodney "Lil' Rod" Jones, a former producer and videographer for Combs, filed a lawsuit describing Paul as a "mule" who allegedly transported and distributed drugs for Combs. The complaint alleged that Paul "procured, transported, and distributed ecstasy, cocaine, GHB, ketamine, marijuana, mushrooms, and tuci by packing these substances in their carry-on luggage and going through TSA."
The same lawsuit further accused Paul of playing a role in carrying firearms for Combs and coordinating sex workers for the now-jailed rapper. These claims have yet to be proven in court and are part of the broader allegations surrounding Combs' legal troubles.
Authorities raided Combs' properties in Los Angeles and Miami on the same day as Paul's arrest. Combs himself was arrested in September and is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He faces charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, and he has pleaded not guilty. Combs' next court appearance is scheduled for May 2025.
Combs has denied all allegations against him, issuing a public statement in December 2023, saying, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy." He further claimed, "Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday."
Paul's lawyer did not address the broader allegations tied to Combs, focusing only on his client's successful resolution of the criminal charges.
