(NewsNation) — The New York federal judge overseeing Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal case ruled to deny bail Wednesday on the music mogul’s bond request.
Combs has been detained for more than two months on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He was denied bail in September and earlier this month when the judge deemed Combs a flight risk because of his money and connections. His attorneys again made their case for bail on Friday. A redacted letter addressed to the judge claimed attorneys found “even more new information that warrants reopening the bail proceedings.”
Combs’ attorneys say the technology available to him in jail is inadequate for his preparation for a tentative May trial. They’ve proposed conditions, including using a GPS monitor and putting one of Combs’ mansions up as collateral.
Prosecutors said Combs has been attempting to intimidate witnesses from behind bars and worry he would continue to interfere with the case if he were released.
Combs’ indictment came after months of speculation about a possible federal investigation tied to civil lawsuits alleging abuse and sexual assault spanning more than 30 years.
The indictment alleges Combs lured in women with promises of a romantic relationship before using intimidation and threats to have them engage in prostitution at reported so-called “freak offs.” There, victims were allegedly drugged and told to engage in sex acts with male sex workers for an extended period, while someone filmed them.
Combs allegedly kept some of the videos, sometimes without the victims’ knowledge.
According to the indictment, Combs and the victims often required IV fluids afterward due to physical exertion.
