In a significant development in the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a U.S. judge has ordered prosecutors to destroy their copies of handwritten notes taken by the rapper while in jail. This decision was made during a hearing in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, where U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian addressed concerns regarding the potential use of these notes in the trial.
Judge Subramanian ruled that the prosecutors should not consult the notes while he evaluates the defense’s claim that they are protected under attorney-client privilege—a legal principle that safeguards confidential communications between attorneys and their clients. “Get rid of them,” Subramanian instructed the prosecution team.
Combs, 55, faces serious charges stemming from allegations that he utilized his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for recorded performances known as “Freak Offs.” He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for illegal activities. His legal team asserts that the sexual encounters described in the indictment were consensual.
The notes in question were obtained during a pre-planned search of Combs’ cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on October 28. Prosecutors allege that Combs wrote about paying off potential witnesses and gathering compromising information on them, which they argue could constitute obstruction of justice. However, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, contends that the notes pertain to defense strategies and witnesses, claiming their seizure violates Combs’ rights to a fair trial and protection against unreasonable searches under the U.S. Constitution.
“This has been a complete institutional failure,” Agnifilo stated during the hearing.
Judge Subramanian has decided to retain a copy of the notes while he deliberates whether prosecutors can utilize them in their case. A separate team within the U.S. Attorney’s office will be responsible for screening documents for any attorney-client privilege implications.
In addition to these legal proceedings, Combs is seeking release on a $50 million bail backed by his $48 million mansion in Florida and co-signed by family members. He has been denied bail three times due to concerns about potential witness tampering. A hearing regarding his bail application is scheduled for Friday, with prosecutors agreeing that Judge Subramanian should not consider the contents of Combs’ notes when deciding on bail.
As this high-profile case unfolds, it continues to draw attention to issues surrounding legal rights, privacy, and the complexities of high-stakes criminal trials.
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