Diddy accused of ‘relentless efforts to contact potential witnesses’ from behind bars
Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of “repeatedly” breaking rules while behind bars in a bid to impact the outcome of his sex-trafficking trial, according to prosecutors urging a judge to deny the hip-hop mogul’s latest bail request.
Those “relentless efforts” allegedly include attempting to reach out to prospective witnesses or potential victims, and asking his kids to carry out “carefully curated” social media campaigns to influence public opinion.
Prosecutors claim in their latest court filing they uncovered Combs’ attempts after reviewing recorded phone calls from jail.
Combs, who was arrested on Sept. 16 on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, has been spending his days at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits the start of his trial on May 5. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, Combs’ attorneys proposed new conditions for his immediate release, after two previous unsuccessful attempts. The proposal includes a $50 million bond agreement, round-the-clock home detention and strict limitations on his ability to contact anyone outside his legal team.
Citing “new evidence” and “changed circumstances,” attorneys for Combs argued that keeping him detained leaves him “unconstitutionally handicapped” in participating in his defense and preparing for trial.
But in documents filed in Manhattan federal court late Friday night, prosecutors claim the 55-year-old Grammy winner began breaking jail rules almost as soon as he arrived at the detention center.
“The defendant has shown repeatedly — even while in custody — that he will flagrantly and repeatedly flout rules in order to improperly impact the outcome of his case,” prosecutors wrote in their filing. “The defendant has shown, in other words, that he cannot be trusted to abide by rules or conditions.”
According to the recorded calls, the former pop culture powerhouse has also been clear about his intentions to anonymously share information he believes would ultimately help in his defense, prosecutors allege.
“The defendant’s efforts to obstruct the integrity of this proceeding also includes relentless efforts to contact potential witnesses, including victims of his abuse who could provide powerful testimony against him,” they wrote.
Prosecutors say they can infer from his behavior that Combs intends to blackmail victims and witnesses into silence, telling the judge he should remain locked up. They also claim he’s a flight risk because of his endless resources and a danger to the public due to his alleged history of violence.
Combs’ legal team did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday.
A bail hearing is scheduled for late next week.
With News Wire Services
#Diddy #accused #relentless #efforts #contact #potential #witnesses #bars