U.S. Prosecutors requested on Tuesday, September 17, that a judge detain music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs in prison until his trial, labeling him a “dangerous” flight risk following his arrest on Monday evening. He faces three counts, including sexual trafficking.
Combs has been indicted on charges of racketeering, sexual trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors allege he exhibited a “pattern” of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, coercing women to engage in sexual acts with commercial sex workers, with employees reportedly facilitating and covering up his actions.
In a court letter filed on Tuesday, prosecutors sought to extend Combs’ detention, noting he has been in custody since his arrest. They argue that his release would pose an ongoing threat to community safety, citing his “long history of violent conduct” and labeling him a “serial abuser” who coerces women for sexual gratification. They emphasize the significant risk of flight, given the serious allegations against him, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. They claim to have amassed substantial evidence likely to result in conviction.
The letter also accuses Combs of attempting to obstruct the investigation by bribing victims and witnesses for false testimony, arguing that “there are simply no conditions” for his release that would prevent further obstruction.
Combs’ attorneys suggested home detention and monitoring instead of imprisonment, but prosecutors rejected this as “plainly insufficient.” They contended that “no condition, or combination of conditions, will reasonably assure” his court appearance or community safety, nor maintain the integrity of the proceedings.
“The incentive to flee is especially strong for this defendant, who, at age 54, faces the very real prospect of spending a substantial portion of the rest of his life in prison,” wrote U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in his letter to the court.
The timeline for Combs’ criminal case remains unclear, though prosecutors indicated a strong likelihood of prison time if he is found guilty. They noted the mandatory minimum sentence for the charges he faces is 15 years, with a maximum of life in prison. Williams also stated that the investigation is ongoing, and Combs could face additional charges.
The letter details specific alleged violent acts not included in the indictment, including an incident where Combs and an associate allegedly kidnapped an unnamed individual at gunpoint to facilitate a break-in at another victim’s residence. Additionally, one associate reportedly set fire to the vehicle of the victim targeted in the break-in, with “multiple witnesses” prepared to testify about Combs “bragging” about his involvement.
Prosecutors highlighted that Combs has employed individuals with “significant criminal history, including violent crimes and firearms offenses.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegations against him. “He’s not guilty; he’s innocent of these charges,” his attorney Marc Agnifilo asserted, stating that Combs is in good spirits, “confident,” and facing his prosecution “head-on.”
Combs was arrested in New York following a months-long federal investigation sparked by civil lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual assault and abuse, including a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in November 2023, which was settled the next day.
