Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in federal custody after a judge rejected his third bid for release Wednesday. The hip-hop mogul, arrested in September on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, appeared in a New York federal courtroom last week as his legal team made arguments for bail. Judge Arun Subramaniam The motion was ultimately denied.
Why was DD’s bail denied again?
Prosecutors alleged that Combs obstructed the investigation from prison by using restricted communications services such as ContactMeASAP to contact potential witnesses. Despite assurances from his defense team, the government reported that he continued to use the service until days before the hearing.
Prosecutors also argued that Combs used his platform to influence the public and potentially the jury pool. They highlighted a social media campaign organized by Combs’ children around his birthday as evidence of his efforts to influence public opinion.
Last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavick told Judge Subramanian that Combs’ bail proposal was effectively “getting him out of custody.” She expressed concern about Combs’ influence over his security team, saying “there is no real separation between Mr. Combs and his security team,” making it difficult for the court to enforce compliance. Slavick also pointed to Combs’ alleged history of intimidating witnesses, arguing that his release could harm the integrity of the case.
In response, defense attorney Anthony Ricco rejected the prosecution’s portrayal of Combs, calling it an unfair depiction of him as “a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions” or “an out-of-control person who needs to be detained.”
bail proposal
Combs’ legal team proposed a comprehensive bail package that included house arrest in a three-bedroom Manhattan apartment, 24/7 private security and strict limits on visitors and communications. They argued that this arrangement would be more restrictive than its current prison status. The team also offered a $50 million bond secured by his Miami Beach mansion, which they claim is worth $48 million.
Despite these offers, the judge rejected the motion, citing concerns that Coombs could not be trusted to follow the rules. “Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the court doubts the adequacy of any conditions that would place trust in Combs and his staff — such as a private security detail — to comply with those conditions,” Subramanian said. .
Complainant against release of DD
Federal prosecutors presented a compelling case against Combs’ release, citing concerns that he posed a danger to both the community and witnesses. In his judgment, Justice Arun Subramaniam said, “The government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions can reasonably assure the safety of the community.”
Prosecutors contend the rapper has a long history of violent behavior and obstruction. They pointed to his attempts to influence witnesses behind bars, including allegations that he broke jailhouse rules, used third-party phone services to contact witnesses and even orchestrated a social media campaign to influence potential jurors. .
While in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, prosecutors have accused him of repeatedly trying to interfere with investigations.
The court has heard allegations from former staff members who claim Combs threatened to kill them, threw objects at them and physically assaulted them. Prosecutors also referenced a disturbing video from 2016 that shows Combs having a violent confrontation with his ex-girlfriend, singer Casey Ventura, in a hotel hallway.
Diddy has been held in a federal prison in Brooklyn for more than two months since his September arrest. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2024. The 55-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty to the charges.