US producer-musician Sean "Diddy" Combs is set to appear in court on Tuesday for a hearing regarding the possession of his handwritten notes by prosecutors. These notes were obtained during a search of the jail cell where Combs is being held prior to his sex trafficking trial. Combs' lawyers filed a motion on Monday asserting that the notes pertain to defense witnesses and strategies, and are protected by attorney-client privilege. They argue that the seizure of these notes violates Combs' rights to a fair trial and protections against self-incrimination and unreasonable searches under the US Constitution.
Prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan claim that the notes indicate Combs' intent to pay a potential witness, suggesting an attempt to obstruct justice. An investigator reportedly photographed the notes during a comprehensive, pre-planned search conducted by various federal agencies on October 28 at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. This investigation could potentially result in additional charges against Combs, making the photographs admissible as evidence, according to prosecutors.
Combs is scheduled to appear before US District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan at 3pm EDT (2000 GMT). The 55-year-old was arrested in September on charges related to using his business empire, including record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for recorded performances known as "Freak Offs." His trial is set to commence on May 5, involving three felony counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs' lawyers maintain that the sexual activities described in the indictment were consensual.
Additionally, Combs is seeking release on a $50 million bail, secured by his $48 million Florida mansion and co-signed by several family members. However, he has been denied bail three times, with judges citing concerns that he might interfere with witnesses.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
