(New York) A federal appeals judge has ruled to keep Sean “Diddy” Combs in custody while he makes a third request for bail in his sex trafficking case, which is set to go to trial in May.
In a ruling Friday, Judge William J. Nardini denied the hip-hop mogul’s immediate release while a three-judge panel considers his request for bail.
Combs’ lawyers appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on September 30 after two judges rejected his release.
Combs, 54, has been held in a Brooklyn federal prison since his September 16 arrest. He is accused of using his “power and prestige” as a music star to entice female victims to engage in elaborate sexual performances with male sex workers at events dubbed “Freak Offs.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, racketeering and sex trafficking. He allegedly coerced and abused women for years with the help of a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical blows.
At a bail hearing three weeks ago, a judge rejected the defense’s $50 million bail proposal that would have allowed the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer to be placed in custody. under house arrest in his Florida home with GPS monitoring and strict limits on visitors.
Judge Andrew L. Carter, who has since recused himself from the case, said prosecutors presented “clear and convincing evidence” that Combs poses a danger to the community. He said “no condition or set of conditions” could prevent the risk that Combs would obstruct the investigation, threaten or harm witnesses.
In their appeal, Combs’ attorneys argued that the judge “endorsed the government’s exaggerated rhetoric” and ordered Combs’ detention for “purely speculative reasons.”
“Indeed, he is unlikely to flee, he is a 54-year-old father of seven, an American citizen, an artist, a businessman, an extraordinarily successful philanthropist and one of the most recognizable people on land,” the lawyers wrote.
Combs’ defense did not ask the new trial judge, Arun Subramanian, to consider releasing him on bail. At a hearing Thursday, as Combs sat alongside his attorneys in a beige jail jumpsuit, Mr.e Subramanian suggested he would at least be open to addressing the issue.
After setting the trial date for May 5, Mr.e Subramanian briefly questioned Combs’ lawyers about his treatment at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), which has been plagued by violence and dysfunction for years.
Combs’ attorney, Mark Agnifilo, who previously sought to have him transferred to a New Jersey prison, told the judge, “We’re trying to move the MDC forward.” The MDC was very responsive to us. Another attorney for Combs, Anthony Ricco, told reporters outside court: “He’s doing well.” It’s a difficult situation. He is doing his best to deal with the situation.”
He added that “no one is OK to stay in prison right now. »