Since the emergence of the #MeToo movement, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) has been increasingly applied to prosecute high-profile individuals for sexual misconduct. Notably, in 2019, Keith Raniere, the head of the Nxivm sex cult, was found guilty in federal court in Brooklyn for his role in a racketeering enterprise that exploited women through sex trafficking. Following this, R. Kelly, the famed R&B singer, faced similar charges in 2021, resulting in a conviction for his involvement in a prolonged racketeering scheme that targeted women and underage girls.
Recently, Sean “Diddy” Combs was also in the spotlight as he faced charges under RICO. While he was acquitted on two sex trafficking counts—which carried the possibility of life sentences—he was convicted on two counts related to transportation for prostitution, each of which could lead to a maximum ten-year prison term.
Elizabeth Geddes, a former Brooklyn federal prosecutor instrumental in securing Kelly’s conviction, commented that the outcome of the Combs case is unlikely to deter federal authorities from using RICO against similar offenses. She noted that RICO is viewed as a crucial legal measure against various types of wrongdoing.
According to data from the Department of Justice, approximately 98 percent of RICO cases resulted in convictions between the fiscal years of 2018 and 2022. This data highlights the effectiveness of RICO, with roughly 60 percent of those investigations focused on individual defendants.
The continued application of RICO against high-profile figures reinforces the resolve of law enforcement to tackle issues of sexual abuse and trafficking, offering a semblance of hope for many victims seeking justice. As society progresses towards addressing these serious allegations, the use of strong legal frameworks like RICO demonstrates a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.