Diddy Seeks Release from Jail Ahead of Sex Trafficking Trial
By Michael R. Sisak, AP
NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team made a renewed attempt on Friday to secure his release from jail while he awaits trial on serious sex trafficking charges. Judge Arun Subramanian announced that a decision regarding Combs’ bail request will be made next week, following submissions from both Combs’ attorneys and federal prosecutors, which are due by Monday afternoon.
Combs’ lawyers are advocating for him to be placed under strict house arrest, proposing either his Miami Beach mansion or a Manhattan apartment. However, the judge expressed skepticism about the Miami location, leading to the Manhattan alternative. Prosecutors, on the other hand, have argued that Combs poses a danger to the community and cannot be trusted to adhere to bail conditions, citing past instances of him violating jail rules and attempting to interfere with the judicial process.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including coercing and abusing women, and alleged attempts to silence victims with threats of violence, including kidnapping and physical assaults. His trial is set to begin on May 5. Currently incarcerated at a Brooklyn federal detention center, Combs spent his recent birthday behind bars.
During Friday’s hearing, which followed a previous court appearance earlier that week, Combs was seen greeting family members in the courtroom and had no restraints on him. Prosecutors claim that while in custody, he has engaged in efforts to manipulate public opinion and communicate with potential witnesses through intermediaries, leading to their assertion that he is untrustworthy. His attorneys countered that with the proposed strict conditions, Combs would have no room to violate any rules.
The battle over bail continues, as the court weighs the arguments on both sides.
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