USA TODAY : Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center after U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian denied his request for bail on July 2. This decision came just hours after Combs was convicted on two criminal charges, following nearly 10 months in jail, which included the duration of his two-month trial.
Combs was found guilty on two counts related to the transportation of his then-girlfriends and sex workers for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. This conviction followed a months-long federal investigation, which included raids at his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024. Combs was arrested at a New York City hotel on September 16, facing initial charges that included racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has consistently maintained his innocence and previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, ultimately being acquitted of the most serious offenses.
The prosecution, represented by U.S. Assistant Attorney Maurene Comey, strongly opposed the defense’s request for Combs’ immediate release, stating, “There was serious, serious conduct here that will mandate a lengthy period of incarceration.”
In contrast, Combs’ defense team argued for his release, asserting that his risk of receiving a lengthy prison sentence was “substantially lower” now that he had been acquitted on the more severe charges. They proposed a $1 million bond co-signed by Combs himself, his mother, his sister, and the mother of his oldest daughter. The defense also suggested that the judge restrict Combs’ travel to Florida, California, New York, and New Jersey, require him to surrender his passport, and mandate drug testing.
A significant factor in the judge’s decision was the strong opposition from Cassie Ventura Fine, a victim in the case. Her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, urged Judge Subramanian to deny Combs’ bail request ahead of his sentencing. In a letter submitted to the court on July 2, Wigdor asserted that Combs could pose a threat to the victims who testified in the case, including Ventura herself, as well as to the broader community. He emphasized that Combs’ ongoing detention is warranted under the federal Bail Reform Act.
Other News
APNU Condemns GCB’s Endorsement of President Irfaan Ali
