A second judge has denied hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to be released on bail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial.
U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter said Wednesday that the government had proved “by clear and convincing evidence that there is no condition or set of conditions” that will ensure that Mr. Combs doesn’t mess with witnesses or anything else involved with the case.
Mr. Combs pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom to federal charges of sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy.
A federal indictment unsealed Tuesday painted a picture of Mr. Combs as an all-powerful sex fiend presiding over “Freak Offs.”
“The defendant abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct,” the indictment says.
The indictment said the “Victory” singer “relied on employees, resources and influence of the multifaceted business empire that he led and controlled — creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.”
He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Mr. Combs’ legal team argued Wednesday for a proposed bail package that included a $50 million bond co-signed by Mr. Combs, his mother and multiple family members, the surrender of his passport, monitoring from his Florida home, weekly drug testing and a visitor log submitted nightly.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson argued that Mr. Combs is a “danger to the community and poses a serious risk to the integrity” of the case.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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