Lawyers for Sean "Diddy" Combs asked a judge to release him on a $50-million bond on Tuesday while he awaits sentencing in his federal sex crimes case. This comes after a jury convicted Combs of federal prostitution-related offences but acquitted the performer of sex trafficking and racketeering charges following his eight-week trial.
In a new court filing, Combs' defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were "dangerous," and said defendants convicted in the past of prostitution-related charges that were similar to Combs' were typically released before their sentencing.
Combs' sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3."Though Mr. Combs has been a model inmate for his nearly year-long period of confinement, the violent conditions are still very much a concern for Mr. Combs and is an unnecessary confinement risk," Agnifilo wrote. Story continues below advertisement During Combs' trial, the rapper pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers contended that prosecutors were trying to criminalize Combs' swinger lifestyle.
In all, 34 witnesses testified, headlined by Combs' former girlfriends Cassie - the R&B singer born Casandra Ventura - and "Jane," who testified under a pseudonym. Both women said he was often violent toward them. Ventura said he forced her into hundreds of sexual encounters with paid male sex workers, while Jane recounted numerous "hotel nights."But Combs' lawyer continues to argue that he "should not be in jail for this conduct" in the new filing. More on Crime More videos Turks and Caicos Islands' first mass shooting kills 3, injures 10: police New York City police officer among 4 dead in office tower shooting Police release sketch of person of interest in couple's deaths in Arkansas park WNBA star Caitlin Clark's stalker sentenced to 2.5 years in prison At least 3 shot, including NYC police officer at Manhattan office building Police shooting in gated parking lot at Sherwood Park RCMP detachment More information on suspect in Maple Ridge neighbourhood tragedy Montreal businessman 'knew what he was doing' when he is alleged to have run over a homeless woman "In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for being any sort of john and certainly the only person in jail for hiring adult male escorts for him and his girlfriend, when he did not even have sex with the escort himself," Agnifilo wrote."In addition, Mr. Combs is incarcerated while everyone else involved in this identical conduct -his girlfriends, the 'cowboys,' the agency's leaders, the porn stars and others - walk free, as they should."Agnifilo argued that the court "should release" Combs "on reasonable conditions" in advance of sentencing. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The lawyer claimed that Combs "is not a risk of flight nor is he a danger to the community or to any specific people." Story continues below advertisement "Given the undisputed facts that Mr. Combs voluntarily came to New York to surrender in this case in advance of his arrest, that he surrendered his passport to his lawyers six months before his arrest, that he paid off the outstanding mortgage on his home in Miami prior to his arrest so that he would own a home free and clear to secure any bail package, and that he has now been acquitted of the Racketeering Conspiracy and Sex Trafficking Charges against him, there is no serious argument that he is a flight risk," he added in the new filing. 1:46 Sean 'Diddy' Combs not guilty of racketeering, sex trafficking in split verdict Sean 'Diddy' Combs not guilty of racketeering, sex trafficking in split verdict Diddy verdict 'absolutely a win' for Sean Combs, legal expert says Diddy trial jury reaches verdicts on all charges except for racketeering conspiracy Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex-trafficking trial hears prosecutors' closing arguments Previous Video Next Video Agnifilo said that if Combs is released on conditions, he "will not be violent to anyone.""As we said in court, this jury gave him his life back, and he will not squander his second chance at life, nor would he do anything to further jeopardize his seven children not having a father, and four of his children not having a parent at all," Agnifilo wrote. Story continues below advertisement "The Court can fashion any set of conditions, and Mr. Combs will abide by any condition, to make the Court comfortable that Mr. Combs will not be violent toward any person."Agnifilo added a proposed bail package for the rapper with conditions including "a $50-million bond secured by Mr. Combs' home in Miami," which would also be co-signed by three "financially responsible people." Trending Now Ontario family sues hospital and staff over son's death Air Canada flight