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Sean “Diddy” Combs will continue to serve time. Judge Arun Subramanian turned down the defense's motion to send the 55-year-old to his Miami Beach estate just hours after a New York jury found the rap mogul guilty on just two of the five counts in his sex trafficking trial on July 2.
Subramanian stated in his decision that Combs "continues to be a danger to others and unable to follow the law," citing his "years-long pattern of violence" as justification for his continued incarceration.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo claimed that Combs was acquitted on the three most serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering and only found guilty of offenses related to prostitution. Combs had pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, as well as transportation to engage in prostitution. insisted, "He should be released on appropriate conditions."
Combs, who was acquitted of serious charges, has agreed to a $1 million cash bond cosigned by his mother, Janice Combs, sister Keisha Combs, and daughter Sarah Chapman. He also agreed to surrender his passport, undergo drug testing, and restrict travel to New York, Florida, and California for court and lawyer meetings. Agnifilo proposed that Combs be allowed to walk out of the courtroom, stating that while the crime is serious, a significant change in conditions is warranted. Combs' mother, Janice Combs, submitted a letter to the court after the verdict, arguing that Combs could pose a danger to the victims who testified.
Assistant United States Attorney Maurene Ryan Comey argued against musician Michael Combs' release, stating he committed a "litany of crimes" while incarcerated and showed "no respect" for the law. Comey argued Combs poses a danger to society and would flee from justice. Combs' convictions, including violating the Mann Act and facing up to 20 years in prison, were downplayed, highlighting years-long conduct and physical abuse. Combs did not take the stand during his trial, but he expressed his desire to return to Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.
And, according to his family, he's already counting his blessings following the July 2 verdict.
Sean Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been accused of using his extensive network of employees to carry out illegal activities, including coordinating "freak offs" involving illicit substances and a collection of sex workers. The prosecution alleged that Combs called himself the king and expected to be treated like one to cater to his desires. The defense argued that the decisions made by Combs were part of his personal life and not a criminal conspiracy. The trial began in early May and ended with 34 witnesses called forward.
