Evidence Found in Diddy’s Jail Cell Suggests Influence and Blackmail
Prosecutors Allege Obstruction of Justice
Evidence found in Sean "Diddy" Combs’ jail cell suggests that he has influenced a witness in his New York sex trafficking and racketeering case and is trying to blackmail others, prosecutors allege. According to a motion filed by federal prosecutors, Combs used secretive methods to contact outsiders from jail, including making three-way calls and using phone access codes of other inmates.
Defendant’s Lawyers Contest Allegations
However, Combs’ lawyers contend that the evidence seized from his Metropolitan Detention Center cell in Brooklyn was "attorney-client privileged material," including handwritten notes by Combs. In a motion filed on Monday, his lawyers argued that the search and seizure of his cell violated his Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights.
Prosecutors’ Response
In response, prosecutors said that they had not seen anything from a legal file in Combs’ cell and turned over photographs of items in the cell to a "filter team" to determine if there was anything privileged that should remain private. The filter team redacted anything that appeared to be privileged and then gave the information to prosecutors.
Battling Motions
The battling motions come as a federal judge is slated again this week to decide whether Combs, who has been behind bars since his September arrest, should be granted $50-million bail and released to house detention.
Charges and Allegations
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship, and allegedly used force, threats of force, coercion, and drugs to get them to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes in what Combs referred to as "freak-offs."
Federal Judge’s Decision
Federal prosecutors reiterated their opposition to Combs being granted bail, alleging that he attempted to tamper with witnesses and influence potential jurors from his prison cell using his family members, and said they feared that his behavior would worsen out of custody.
Conclusion
The allegations against Combs are serious and suggest that he has attempted to influence witnesses and engage in blackmail from his jail cell. The prosecution’s evidence and the defendant’s lawyers’ responses will be crucial in determining the outcome of this case.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs?
A: Combs has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Q: What evidence was seized from Combs’ jail cell?
A: Prosecutors allege that evidence found in Combs’ cell suggests that he used secretive methods to contact outsiders from jail, including making three-way calls and using phone access codes of other inmates.
Q: How do Combs’ lawyers respond to the allegations?
A: Combs’ lawyers argue that the evidence seized from his cell was "attorney-client privileged material," including handwritten notes by Combs, and that the search and seizure of his cell violated his Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights.
Q: Will the judge grant Combs bail?
A: The judge has yet to make a decision on Combs’ bail request. However, federal prosecutors have expressed strong opposition to Combs being granted bail, citing concerns that he will continue to attempt to influence witnesses and engage in blackmail if released.
