Diddy Is 'Capable of a Lot,' Says Source: 'He's So Powerful. Everyone Was Afraid to Cross Him' (Exclusive)

Sean “Diddy” Combs had a lot of power in the entertainment industry – and apparently still has it, even behind bars.

The music mogul, 54, is currently in federal custody in Brooklyn, New York, after being denied bail twice as he faces federal sex-trafficking charges and multiple civil lawsuits, but a source tells PEOPLE that many of the individuals and further colors of his potential actions.

“He’s so powerful. Everyone was afraid to cross him,” says the insider. “Even though he’s behind bars now, he’s still so powerful. We all knew that back then.”

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Sean “Diddy” Combs in March 2018.

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/SplashNews.com

The source continues: “Everyone always thought of him as a creative genius when it came to his obsession with controlling things.”

Combs was indicted by federal authorities last month. He is facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation for prostitution.

The “Last Night” rapper has pleaded not guilty to all charges, though he could face up to life in prison if convicted.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs in October 2019.

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“He’s incredibly smart,” adds the Combs source. “He knows a lot of people and he’s helped a lot of people – so a lot of people owe him. He knows that.”

An insider says the Bad Boy Records founder is “capable of a lot — a lot more than people realize, even now.”

Representatives for Combs did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

In addition to the criminal charges, Combs has been named as a defendant in multiple lawsuits and could face 120 more after prominent attorney Tony Buzbee said many more potential plaintiffs plan to file suit.

Sean “Diddy” Combs in September 2017.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

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The indictment against the Grammy winner centers on alleged “freaks,” which authorities described as elaborate sexual performances with male sex workers and women who were coerced or coerced into participating. Combs’ attorneys have denied the allegations.

This week, Diddy’s mom, Janice Small Combs, released a statement supporting him. “My son is not the monster they have made him out to be and he deserves a chance to tell his side,” she said. “I can only pray that I am alive to see him speak his truth and be vindicated.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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