Initially denied bail after being indicted late Monday for sex crimes, and ordered held in a federal prison, lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs asked a judge Wednesday to let him await his trial at his luxury home on Star Island in Miami.
According to reports, Combs’ lawyers offered a $50M bail package, – using his mansion as collateral – in exchange for releasing him to home detention with GPS monitoring. A hearing on the request is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday, a U.S. magistrate judge ordered Combs held without bail.
More Crime Details Revealed
Combs is accused of using his “power and prestige” for “sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.” The indictment also alleges Combs “coerced and abused women” for years, while using blackmail, including the videos he shot, and shocking acts of violence to keep his victims in line, coordinated and facilitated from the top down by a network of associates and employees.
The Bail Request
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer, sent a letter to Judge Andrew L. Carter seeking the release of the music and business mogul, on conditions including:
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Home detention
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GPS monitoring
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Restrictions on visitors
Combs’ house is on exclusive Star Island, a man-made piece of land in Biscayne Bay, reachable only via a causeway or boat. ”Sean Combs has never evaded, avoided, eluded or run from a challenge in his life,” his legal team said in a court filing. “He will not start now.” Prosecutors have argues that his is a danger to the community and a flight risk and should remain in custody until trial.
Combs complains of “rough” Jail Conditions
Combs has gone on record saying he shouldn’t be subjected to rough conditions at the federal prison in New York city, citing murders and suicides that have occurred in the jail in recent years.
“The conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, are not fit for pre-trial detention,” said Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lead defense attorney. “Numerous courts in this district have raised concerns with the horrific conditions of detention here.”
The government argued that Combs is a threat to the community, based on the alleged violence of his acts, and a flight risk due to his immense wealth. A grand jury indicted Combs on three felony counts: racketeering, sex trafficking, and using transportation to engage in prostitution.
GOLDLAW will continue to provide updates as this story develops.