Sean 'Diddy' Combs' legal team accuses prosecutors of 'spying' on him in jail
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: Sean 'Diddy' Combs's defense team is accusing the prosecution of violating his constitutional rights by spying on him inside his jail cell.
They argue that the government’s actions are severely undermining his ability to receive a fair trial while being held in custody.
Defense claims prosecution spies on Sean 'Diddy' Combs in cell
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who is currently in federal custody in Brooklyn, was indicted in September on serious charges. He pleaded not guilty but has been denied bail three times.
"The evidence shows the government is using Mr Combs’ detention to spy on him and invade his confidential communications with his counsel," the defense claimed in a filing, according to People.
His attorneys argue that the government’s actions have trampled on his constitutional rights, particularly during a search of his cell.
The search in question took place at the Metropolitan Detention Center as part of what prosecutors described as a routine sweep in November. At the time the defense called it "outrageous government conduct" saying the feds took Comb's "privileged documents for trial preparation."
"This disturbing conduct is a blatant violation of Mr Combs’ rights," the filing continued. "Prosecutors say the search was motivated by security concerns at MDC, but that is a false pretext," the defense team asserted.
Defense argues Sean 'Diddy' Combs' cannot receive 'fair trial'
The defense further accused the government of "knowingly, intentionally, and secretly" taking Sean 'Diddy' Combs' notes and using them to their advantage.
“Mr Combs cannot possibly receive a fair trial if he is not permitted to confer privately and confidentially with his counsel and others working at their direction, and to take and keep notes of his trial preparation," the defense attorneys added.
Previously, Diddy's legal team accused the federal government of misconduct, arguing that the search was not a routine security measure but a targeted act aimed at gathering privileged information.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' defense secures victory over 'privileged' material
Despite the defense's arguments, Judge Arun Subramanian has denied Diddy bail. However, in a recent hearing, Subramanian ruled that he would not consider any evidence obtained during the cell search at a November bail hearing.
He also ordered that copies of the materials seized be discarded. In his bail rejection ruling, Subramanian acknowledged the defense’s legal victory but reiterated that Combs posed a "serious risk of witness tampering."
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial is scheduled for May 2025, meaning he will likely remain behind bars until the trial begins.
