Latest news with #chargesDropped
ABC News
5 days ago
- ABC News
Charges dropped for US influencer stranded at Antarctic military base
A judge has dropped the charges against US influencer Ethan Guo who has been stranded at a remote location in Chilean territory in Antarctica since June. Mr Guo was charged on June 29 with handing false information to ground control and landing without authorisation. But on Monday, local time, a judge dropped the charges as part of an agreement with his lawyers and Chile's prosecutors. It required the Mr Guo to give a $US30,000 ($46,000) donation to a children's cancer foundation within 30 days to avoid a trial. He must also leave the country as soon as conditions allow and is prohibited from re-entering Chilean territory for three years. Authorities said Mr Guo landed his small plane illegally after providing false flight plan information to officials who opened an investigation. Mr Guo made headlines last year when he began a trip in an attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents and at the same time collect donations for research into childhood cancer. As part of his trip, the then-19-year-old who identifies as Asian American planned to go to the Antarctic, but according to the authorities he lied to officials by providing authorities with "false flight plan data." Prosecutors said he had been authorised to only fly over Punta Arenas, but that he kept going south, heading for Antarctica in his Cessna 182Q — a single-engine light aircraft known for its versatility. On Monday, after the judge's ruling, Mr Guo told The Associated Press in a text message that he was "relieved by the outcome." For the past six weeks, since being charged, he has stayed at a military base. He was not forced to stay there, only to remain in Chilean territory, but due to the severe winter in that part of the southern hemisphere, he has been unable to leave. He has also been unable to fly his plane. Chilean prosecutor Cristián Crisoto told reporters on Monday that Mr Guo's plane did "not have the capabilities to make a flight," without providing details. But the American influencer said he was talking with this lawyer to see if there was a way he could fly it. "I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight," Mr Guo told AP. "I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission." The prosecutor's office said Mr Guo must also pay all costs for his "aircraft security and personal maintenance" during his stay at the military facility. He also needs to cover all expenses for his return. AP
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Diddy scores huge trial victory as prosecutors DROP key parts of charges
Sean ' Diddy ' Combs scored a huge courtroom victory after prosecutors decided to drop key parts of the charges against him. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian prosecutors said they will no longer pursue theories presented during the blockbuster trial, including that the music mogul was involved in attempted arson and kidnapping. The two alleged acts were initially included in the government's racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. All charges against him still remain. The charge still alleges that the 55-year-old was involved in transportation for purposes of prostitution, bribery, witness tampering and drug-related offenses. 'The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability, so instructions are no longer necessary,' prosecutors wrote in the letter. The decision was made as a way to streamline the jury's instructions, which are being discussed in court today between lawyers and Judge Subramanian. The arson allegation stems from rapper Kid Cudi 's testimony, when he claimed Diddy broke into his home after discovering his relationship with his long-time girlfriend and main accuser Cassie Ventura. After the alleged break in, a Porsche, owned by Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, was set on fire in his driveway. No one was ever charged in this incident. The kidnapping theory stems from Combs's former assistant Capricorn Clark's testimony, where she said she was kidnapped by Combs, who was armed with a gun, and driven to Cudi's home while he allegedly entered the residence. David S Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor who is now a partner at Jones Walker in Miami, Florida, told that this decision is a 'partial victory' for Diddy. He said that prosecutors had essentially 'conceded they do not have enough proof' for the kidnapping, arson and some of the sex-trafficking claims. That is why they were 'abandoning them' right before the jury is set to hear closing arguments, Weinstein said. He said it was wrong to say that these allegations were being 'dropped' as there was no standalone charge for them in the first place. All of them were included under the racketeering, or RICO, charge. Weinstein said that in order to prove racketeering, prosecutors had to prove two or more acts that were covered by the statute. By not asking the jury to consider kidnapping, arson, or some of the sex trafficking charges, prosecutors would be leaning more heavily on other allegations. The other charges Diddy faces under RICO includes: possession of drugs with intent to supply, other parts of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, bribery and tampering with a witness. Weinstein said: 'As they closed their case the government reevaluated the evidence they presented to the jury and determined there was not enough evidence to support these specific predicate acts in the RICO conspiracy. 'In order to avoid having the jury distracted by this lack of proof, they are asking that the jury not consider those acts any more. 'It's a partial victory for the defense and the prosecution is conceding they didn't submit enough proof. 'It's an effort by the government to clean things up.' According to Weinstein, had prosecutors not done this, it would have allowed Diddy's lawyers to 'poke holes' in their case. He said: 'If those allegations are still in there that allows the defense during closing arguments to turn and point at the prosecution and say here's the list they have to prove two or more from for RICO. 'Did you hear anything about this one? You can't rely on it, there's no proof beyond a reasonable doubt. 'They're overcharging because they thought they had it. Then they can ask why you should rely on any of that witness's testimony?' Another fact could have been anxiety among prosecutors about the impending July 4th holiday, which will lead to a three-day week next week. 'Sometimes a holiday helps prosecutors, sometimes not', Weinstein said. Diddy denies racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The racketeering and sex trafficking charges against the rapper, who is currently locked up at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, carry a minimum sentence of 15 years each. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum of 10 years behind bars. Closing arguments are anticipated to take place both Thursday and Friday from 9am-5pm. For more on the case everyone is talking about - search for The Trial of Diddy wherever you get your podcasts now.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Diddy scores huge courtroom victory as prosecutors DROP key parts of charges
Sean ' Diddy ' Combs scored a huge courtroom victory after prosecutors decided to drop key parts of the charges against him. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian prosecutors said they will no longer pursue theories presented during the blockbuster trial, including that the music mogul was involved in attempted arson and kidnapping. The two alleged acts were initially included in the government's racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. The charge still alleges that the 55-year-old was involved in transportation for purposes of prostitution, bribery, witness tampering and drug-related offenses. 'The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability, so instructions are no longer necessary,' prosecutors wrote in the letter. The decision was made as a way to streamline the jury's instructions, which are being discussed in court today between lawyers and Judge Subramanian. The arson allegation stems from rapper Kid Cudi 's testimony, when he claimed Combs broke into his home after discovering his relationship with his long-time girlfriend and main accuser Cassie Ventura. After the alleged break in, a Porsche, owned by Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, was set on fire in his driveway. No one was ever charged in this incident. The kidnapping theory stems from Combs' former assistant Capircorn Clark's testimony, where she said she was kidnapped by Combs, who was armed with a gun, and driven to Mescudi's home while he allegedly entered the residence.
