The rapper has been detained for almost a month at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense launched a fresh appeal on Tuesday (8/10) seeking the rapper’s parole, after the court rejected two bail attempts worth $50 million (R274 million $). According to People magazine, the legal team denied that the artist is a flight risk, as federal prosecutors claim. He has a hearing scheduled for this Wednesday (9/10).
Attorney Alexander Shapiro’s appeal challenges the Southern District of New York’s decision to deny bail on charges of flight endangerment, witness tampering and obstruction of justice. The defense is asking for a re-evaluation so that Diddy can be released immediately under appropriate conditions, pending the setting of a trial date.
Appeal details
An excerpt from the document states that Diddy “was not released pending trial, although he offered to abide by restrictive conditions that would have prevented any conceivable risk of flight or danger.” Shapiro also reiterates that he “is innocent” and that he cooperated with the authorities during the investigation period.
“He went to New York to turn himself in because he knew he would be charged. He took extraordinary steps to demonstrate that he intended to face and contest the charges, not flee; he posted a bond that would clearly prevent him from posing a danger to any person or from contact with any witness. Under the Bail Reform Act, ‘liberty is the rule, and detention before trial or without trial is the carefully limited exception.'”
The lawyer argues that Diddy’s bail comes with enough restrictions to avoid any concerns about witness tampering or flight risk. Furthermore, the artist has decided not to receive female visitors from outside the family while awaiting trial in his Miami villa. He also allegedly continued to try to sell his private plane, submit to weekly drug tests and not contact other witnesses.
The court has not yet issued a third decision. He has been in prison for almost a month for extortion and sexual assault at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
