Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to remain behind bars through the holiday season after a federal judge denied his third request for bail.
Story Summary:
- Sean “Diddy” Combs’ third bail request has been denied by a federal judge.
- The court ruled that no conditions could ensure public safety or prevent obstruction of justice.
- Allegations against Combs include violent crimes and attempts to influence witnesses.
Court finds diddy too dangerous for bail release
The ruling, handed down by Judge Arun Subramanian in the Southern District of New York, declared Combs a danger to the community and emphasised that no combination of conditions could mitigate the risks associated with his release.
The decision follows Combs’ indictment on multiple charges, including sex trafficking, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice.
The prosecution alleges that for decades, Combs led a criminal enterprise that used coercion, violence, and threats to maintain power and cover up his actions.
During a search of Combs’ residences earlier this year, law enforcement reportedly found firearms with defaced serial numbers and other weapons, which further bolstered the government’s case against granting bail.
Violent evidence and risk of witness tampering
Central to the court’s decision was the nature of the charges and the strength of the evidence presented by the government.
Prosecutors highlighted video footage and text messages as proof of Combs’ violent tendencies.
One victim, identified as Victim-1, referenced physical abuse in text messages following a 2016 incident, describing bruises, a black eye, and a fat lip.
Beyond violence, the court cited concerns about witness tampering.
Prosecutors provided evidence that Combs had initiated contact with a grand jury witness despite being warned against such behaviour.
Records show unexplained communications and even deleted messages between Combs and the witness, casting doubt on his ability to follow court-ordered restrictions.
Additionally, while in detention, Combs allegedly violated Bureau of Prisons regulations by using other inmates’ phone access codes and employing untraceable communication methods.
The court saw these actions as attempts to obscure his communication, further undermining trust in his compliance with bail conditions.
Why the court denied bail
Judge Subramanian made it clear that Combs’ proposed bail conditions, including private security oversight, were insufficient.
The court expressed doubts about relying on Combs’ team to enforce restrictions, particularly given his history of noncompliance.
The judge cited similar cases to support the conclusion that wealth and resources could not create a “two-tiered bail system” where wealthy defendants gain advantages unavailable to others.
Pretrial Services also determined that no conditions could ensure public safety, a sentiment echoed during Combs’ bail hearing on 22 November 2024.
The court noted that the allegations against Combs, combined with his behaviour while in custody, presented significant risks of further obstruction or harm if released.
In addition to denying bail, the court also rejected Combs’ request for temporary release to prepare for his trial.
While Combs argued that detention conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Centre hindered his ability to review legal documents, the judge ruled that existing accommodations, such as access to a laptop and his legal team, were adequate.
With over five months remaining until the trial, the court deemed his request unnecessary.
