Attorneys for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs are accusing federal prosecutors of misconduct after a raid on his jail cell at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
In court papers filed Monday, Combs’ legal team alleged that prosecutors used materials seized from his cell, including personal effects and notes, to strengthen their argument for keeping him in custody before his May 5 trial.
Combs, 55, has been held since September on serious charges, including coercing and abusing women with the help of associates, as well as using blackmail and violence to silence victims. He has pleaded not guilty and is seeking release on a $50 million bail package, proposing house arrest.
In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, who has scheduled a bail hearing for Friday, Combs’ attorneys demanded an immediate hearing to address the cell search, calling it “outrageous government conduct.” They argued that prosecutors cited potentially privileged materials obtained from the raid in a Friday court filing aimed at keeping Combs incarcerated. His legal team contends these documents contain defense strategies and communications with his lawyers.
Prosecutors claim that Combs has attempted to manipulate public opinion through social media campaigns, interfere with witnesses via third parties, and dodge scrutiny of his jail communications. Combs’ legal team argues that this conduct infringes on his rights, characterizing the government’s actions as a due process violation.
