Prosecutors push for lengthy prison sentence for Sean 'Diddy' Combs and oppose release on bail
Prosecutors now believe Sean "Diddy" Combs could face a much longer prison sentence than the four to five years they initially expected following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. In a filing submitted Thursday in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors also opposed Combs’ recent request for release on $50 million bail as he awaits sentencing scheduled for October 3.
Combs, 55, was acquitted in July of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which carried potential life sentences, but was found guilty of two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution. These charges involve arranging for girlfriends and male sex workers to travel for sexual encounters that Combs recorded, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years. While prosecutors initially thought sentencing guidelines would recommend a prison term of about four to five years, they now say the range is expected to be “substantially higher,” raising concerns he might flee.
Judge Arun Subramanian has discretion over Combs’ sentence and is not bound by the federal guidelines, which Combs’ attorneys argue would call for 21 to 27 months in prison if properly applied. Earlier this month, a judge denied Combs’ initial bail request, finding he had not shown by clear and convincing evidence that he posed no danger to the community. Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo renewed the bail request this week, citing other cases with similar convictions where bail was granted and arguing Combs was being unfairly punished for a consensual “swingers” lifestyle involving marathon sex sessions with multiple partners.
Prosecutors countered that Combs must remain in custody before sentencing due to mandatory conditions tied to his convictions and disputed claims he poses no danger. They also highlighted Combs’ history of violence and argued he is not suitable for supervised release. Agnifilo responded that Combs “will not be violent to anyone” and emphasized the importance of his role as a father to seven children, including four who have lost one parent.
Prosecutors noted that while jail conditions had previously been criticized for lockdowns and inadequate medical care, improvements had been made before Combs’ arrest. They also argued the cases cited by the defense were not comparable to Combs’ due to the nature of his crimes and his violent past, maintaining that he fails to prove he is not a danger to the community.
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