Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal troubles have deepened following his arrest on sex crime and racketeering charges in New York City.
According to PEOPLE, federal authorities allegedly found bags of pink powder in Combs' hotel room during his arrest on Monday, September 16. Prosecutors believe the substance could be narcotics, potentially ecstasy, based on previous seizures from the music mogul.
The discovery was revealed during Combs' arraignment on Tuesday, September 17, where Assistant United States Attorney Emily A. Johnson informed the federal judge about the alleged find. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already serious charges faced by the rapper and music industry titan.
Alleged Criminal Behavior And Ongoing Investigation
Prosecutors claim that Combs had been engaging in criminal activities up until the days before his arrest. The 14-page indictment unsealed on Tuesday alleges that for years, Combs coerced women into participating in what he termed "freak offs" - described as drug-induced elaborate sex performances involving male sex workers.
These allegations paint a disturbing picture of Combs' alleged behavior, with prosecutors asserting that he threatened women's entertainment careers if they refused to participate. Moreover, they claim that Combs secretly recorded these performances to use as "collateral" against the women involved.
The potential drug discovery in Combs' hotel room has been used by prosecutors to argue for his continued detention. They contend that without incarceration, Combs would likely continue to break the law, citing his alleged ongoing criminal behavior even in the days leading up to his arrest.
Legal Defense And Bail Denial
Combs' legal team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, has not directly addressed the allegations of drugs found in the hotel room.
During the arraignment, Agnifilo requested that Combs be released on a $50 million bond, revealing that the rapper had recently paid off the mortgage on his $48 million residence to provide the funds.
However, the court denied bail, with prosecutors arguing that Combs has an "ongoing ability" to obstruct justice and influence witnesses. They alleged that in the week before his arrest, Combs made 128 phone contacts with singer Kalenna Harper, allegedly urging her to refute sexual abuse claims made in a lawsuit by singer Dawn Richard.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnson explained that the singer was likely anticipating his arrest and would be expected to behave as well as possible.
This statement underscores the prosecution's view that Combs' alleged criminal activities continued even as he may have anticipated legal action against him.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings And Next Steps
Combs is scheduled to return to federal court on Wednesday, September 18, to appeal the decision to deny his bail. His attorney has stated that the rapper is currently in "treatment and therapy," though the specifics of this treatment were not disclosed in court.
The case against Combs involves multiple serious allegations, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related charges. The discovery of potential narcotics in his hotel room adds another dimension to the prosecution's case, potentially strengthening their argument for continued detention.
Sean "Diddy" Combs faces serious legal challenges following his arrest on sex crime and racketeering charges. Federal authorities allegedly discovered suspicious substances in his hotel room during the arrest, adding to the gravity of the situation. Combs has been denied bail and is set to appeal this decision as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
