Prosecutors Seek Long Sentence for Diddy
NEW YORK (AP) – Prosecutors are indicating that music mogul Shawn “Diddy” Combs could face significantly longer prison sentences than the proposed 2 to 5 years.
They conducted surveillance late Thursday in federal court in Manhattan, with decisions expected on October 3rd.
In early July, Combs, 55, was found not guilty of conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which carried potential life sentences. However, he was convicted on charges related to engaging in prostitution—specifically, facilitating travel for encounters he filmed involving a girlfriend and a male sex worker.
Each charge related to prostitution could result in a prison term of up to 10 years.
Prosecutors mentioned that they believe the federal guidelines aim to create uniformity in sentencing for similar crimes. Yet, they also expressed confidence that these guidelines would lead to a substantially longer sentence for Combs, considering his actions.
Judge Arun Subramanian has considerable discretion in making sentencing decisions, and while Combs’ lawyers are suggesting that the sentence could range from 21 to 27 months if calculated correctly, the final outcome remains uncertain.
During the bail hearing, prosecutors prevailed after defense attorney Mark Agnifilo argued for Combs’ immediate release. The judge denied this request, stating that the defense did not effectively demonstrate a lack of danger posed by Combs to the community, although Agnifilo was allowed to submit a revised request.
On Tuesday, Agnifilo pointed to other cases where defendants with comparable convictions were granted bail and mentioned the harsh conditions in Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Combs has been held since his arrest in September.
He also claimed that Combs was being treated unfairly, particularly due to his “swinger” lifestyle.
Prosecutors noted that under current requirements, Combs must remain in prison until sentencing unless he can demonstrate an extraordinary circumstance. They argued that he poses a risk to the community.
“Shaun Combs isn’t violent toward anyone,” was an argument made in court, emphasizing that a second chance in life shouldn’t be wasted. However, prosecutors stressed the importance of keeping him incarcerated due to the risks associated with his actions.
Conditions in federal prisons had reportedly improved before Combs’ arrest. In January 2024, a federal judge criticized conditions in the facility, highlighting issues such as lockdowns and inadequate medical care.
Prosecutors dismissed Agnifilo’s references to other cases for bail as irrelevant, particularly pointing out the history of violence associated with Combs’ actions. They asserted that he had not convincingly proven he posed no risk to the community.
