3 months ago
14
Rapper Sean
'Diddy'
Combs
was denied bail on Tuesday in
Manhattan federal court
in connection with a
racketeering conspiracy
and
sex trafficking
indictment. He is accused of allegedly leading a criminal operation that forced women into drug-fueled sex shows over a span of ten years.
Magistrate judge Robyn Tarnofsky ordered Combs to remain in custody, agreeing with prosecutors who argued that he poses “an extreme danger to the community.” Prosecutors described Combs as “a serial abuser and a serial obstructor.”
The 54-year-old music mogul appeared in court without handcuffs, dressed in a black t-shirt and dark gray sweatpants.
Prosecutors cited several instances where Combs allegedly attempted to obstruct justice, including a March 5, 2016, incident in which he reportedly tried to bribe a hotel security officer to cover up an assault on his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
They also claimed that Combs forced women into “Freak Offs” with male prostitutes, allegedly recording these sessions.
Assistant US attorney Adam Johnson also accused Combs of attempting to destroy surveillance footage that surfaced earlier this year, showing him assaulting Ventura. Johnson argued that Combs “has an ongoing ability to keep witnesses… in his pocket and at his disposal.”
Combs pleaded not guilty to charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.
Recently, Combs allegedly sent 58 text messages to former Diddy-Dirty Money singer Kalenna Harper after she was named in a lawsuit. Harper later stated she had not seen Combs abuse anyone.
Federal authorities arrested Sean 'Diddy' Combs on September 16 in Manhattan. During his arrest, Law enforcement discovered bags containing a pink powder in his hotel room that matched samples previously testing positive for ecstasy. Johnson said they are awaiting lab results to confirm the substance. Other drugs were also allegedly found at the scene.
If convicted of the sex-trafficking charge, Combs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
