In a significant legal victory for Sean "Diddy" Combs, a federal judge has ordered prosecutors to destroy copies of 19 pages of notes seized from the music mogul's jail cell, following allegations that the materials were protected by attorney-client privilege. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, ruling Tuesday, stated that while the court would retain the original documents, prosecutors must eliminate their copies as both sides prepare further briefs on the issue.
Combs' defense team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, argued that the seizure was a blatant violation of his rights and represented "outrageous government conduct." The documents, they contended, included trial strategy notes, correspondence with his legal team, and information pertinent to Combs' defense against charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has vehemently denied all charges and maintains his innocence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik countered that the papers contained information about "paying off witnesses and finding dirt on victims," which, she argued, should not be protected by privilege. Slavik further claimed that Combs had instructed a family member to seek information on an accuser, asserting this undermined the confidentiality of the materials in question.
The documents were seized during a routine Bureau of Prisons (BOP) sweep at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Combs has been held since his September arrest. The prosecution maintains that the search, conducted as part of broader efforts to curb contraband and drugs, did not specifically target Combs. Slavik insisted that no members of the prosecution team were involved in the seizure and that a "Filter Team" vetted the materials before they were forwarded to those handling the case.
However, Agnifilo expressed skepticism, demanding surveillance footage of the incident and questioning the legitimacy of the BOP's search. "The bottom line is that no multi-agency law enforcement initiative justified rifling through Mr. Combs' personal handwritten notes of conversations with his lawyers," Agnifilo stated in court, emphasizing that such actions threatened the integrity of the legal process.
Combs, appearing in olive prison garb, seemed notably more subdued during the hearing, in contrast to his previous court appearances. The Bad Boy Records founder has had two previous bail requests denied due to concerns about potential witness tampering. Prosecutors have alleged that Combs, from jail, orchestrated efforts to influence witnesses and obstruct justice-a charge his legal team vigorously disputes.
Judge Subramanian's ruling also touched on the potential impact of Combs' shackled appearances in court. The defense argued that shackling could bias any future jurors, citing extensive media coverage. The judge agreed, granting a request for Combs to appear unshackled in subsequent court proceedings.
The case against Combs is rooted in allegations that he used his music empire to exploit and coerce women into participating in elaborate sex shows and events dubbed "freak offs." The charges have sparked a deluge of accusations, with over 120 alleged victims reportedly represented by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee in separate civil cases against the music mogul.
Prosecutors maintain that the seized notes contained evidence of Combs' attempts to manipulate witnesses and undermine the justice system. However, the defense contends that any such evidence was obtained improperly, potentially warranting the dismissal of charges.
As the legal battle intensifies, a third bail hearing is scheduled for November 22.
