New York, NY – Sean “Diddy” Combs remains behind bars after a judge denied his request for release while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The judge rejected Combs’ team’s motion for release, citing concerns about his potential danger to the community and ongoing obstruction of the investigation.
During the court hearing, prosecutors argued that Combs had violated jail rules and had been attempting to tamper with witnesses while in federal custody. They raised concerns about his use of various techniques to contact witnesses, including three-way calling and messaging services. The judge noted that despite assurances from Combs’ defense counsel that he had stopped using a particular service, evidence showed that he had continued to do so.
Combs’ attorneys had pushed for his release, proposing a private security arrangement in a Manhattan apartment to monitor his activities. They argued that Combs needed to be free to prepare his defense against criminal charges and civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse. However, the judge expressed skepticism about the proposed arrangements, including staying at his Miami home.
The hip-hop mogul was arrested in September on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and prostitution-related offenses. Combs has pleaded not guilty and is set to go on trial in May. Previous attempts to secure bail had been denied by other federal judges, citing concerns about obstruction of justice and community safety.
In this latest development, Judge Arun Subramanian’s decision to keep Combs in custody highlights ongoing issues surrounding the case. The court’s ruling reflects the government’s arguments that Combs poses a risk to the community and has been actively trying to influence the investigation. With the trial set to begin in May, the legal battle continues for Combs as he faces serious allegations that could have significant implications for his future.