Music
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs To Stay In Jail While Appeals Court Takes Up Bail Fight
NEW YORK — A federal appeals court judge has ruled that Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody as he prepares a third bail application in his sex trafficking case, which is set to go to trial in May.
In a judgment filed Friday, Circuit Judge William J. Nardini refused the hip-hop mogul’s immediate release from jail while a three-judge panel considered his bail application.
Combs’ lawyers filed an appeal with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on September 30 after two judges denied his release.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs To Stay In Jail While Appeals Court Takes Up Bail Fight
Combs, 54, has been imprisoned in a federal jail in Brooklyn since his September 16 arrest on allegations that he used his “power and prestige” as a music artist to coerce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately staged sexual performances with male sex workers in gatherings known as “Freak Offs.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, stating that he forced and tortured women for years with the support of a network of colleagues and workers, silencing victims via blackmail and violence such as kidnapping, fire, and physical beatings.
Three weeks ago, a court denied the defense’s $50 million bail bid, which would have allowed the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer to be placed under house arrest at his Florida mansion with GPS tracking and stringent visitor limits.
Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr., who has since recused himself from the case, stated that prosecutors presented “clear and convincing evidence” that Combs poses a danger to the community. He stated that “no condition or set of conditions” could prevent Combs from hindering the inquiry, threatening or hurting witnesses.
“Indeed, hardly a risk of flight, he is a 54-year-old father of seven, a U.S. citizen, an extraordinarily successful artist, businessman, and philanthropist, and one of the most recognizable people on earth,” according to the lawyers.
Combs’ lawyers have not asked Arun Subramanian, the new trial judge, to consider releasing him on bond. Subramanian said at a hearing Thursday that Combs, who stood with his lawyers in a gray jail jumpsuit, might be willing to discuss the problem.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs To Stay In Jail While Appeals Court Takes Up Bail Fight
After setting a trial date of May 5, Subramanian briefly questioned Combs’ lawyers about his treatment in the Metropolitan Detention Center, which has been beset by violence and disorder for years.
Combs’ lawyer, Mark Agnifilo, who had earlier sought to have him transferred to a New Jersey jail, told the judge, “We’re making a go of the MDC. “The MDC has been very responsive to us.”
Another Combs lawyer, Anthony Ricco, told reporters outside the courthouse that “he’s doing fine.” It’s a tricky situation. “He is making the best of the situation.”
However, Ricco stated that “nobody’s OK with staying in jail for now.”
SOURCE | AP
