Latest news with #JudgeSubramanian
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Diddy to stay locked up in prison after being denied $50m bail ahead of sentencing for prostitution
SEAN "Diddy" Combs has been denied $50 million bail - for the second time - ahead of his October 3 sentencing on prostitution charges. Judge Arun Subramanian agreed with federal prosecutors' decision to keep the disgraced rapper locked up at MDC Brooklyn. 5 5 In a court order issued on Monday, the US district judge wrote there were no 'exceptional reasons' warranting Combs' release before his sentencing. The former music mogul reportedly filed a new motion for bail last week, offering a $50 million bail package in which he pledged to stay at his Miami home and restrict travel to Florida and New York. His legal team argued there is no binding precedent for keeping him in jail before sentencing - an argument Judge Subramanian rejected. They also claimed he is likely the only man in America jailed for hiring male sex workers to sleep with his girlfriend. But Subramanian dismissed this, stating that the case involved 'evidence of violence, coercion or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution'. When Combs' legal team raised concerns about his safety at MDC Brooklyn, Subramanian said staff protected Combs 'even during an incident of threatened violence from an inmate'. The judge added that the bail denial will not affect Combs' sentencing in 60 days' time. Combs faces a maximum 20-year prison sentence - 10 years for each count of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, federal prosecutors have said they would seek a three- to five-year sentence. On July 2, Combs was convicted on two prostitution-related counts, but was acquitted of the more serious charges he faced. Diddy is found GUILTY of prostitution but cleared of most serious charge He was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking in regard to his ex-girlfriends Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura and " Jane" (pseudonym). The music executive fell to his knees in prayer after the jury foreperson read the verdict. Combs' defence team delivered a post-verdict victory speech to reporters outside the US District Courthouse, calling the outcome a "great victory for the jury system". Agnifilo said the 12-person jury "got the situation right - or certainly, right enough". "We are not nearly done fighting. We're not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family," he added. Meanwhile, in their closing arguments, prosecutors described Combs as the "leader of a criminal enterprise", who used his expansive "wealth, power, violence, and fear to get what he wanted". The prosecution's case centred on disturbing and graphic testimony about drug-fuelled 'freak-offs' during which Combs allegedly coerced his ex-girlfriends into participate in sex acts with male escorts. Prosecutor Slavik told jurors that Combs forced Cassandra Ventura and 'Jane' into punishing sex marathons and - with the help of a close circle of 'loyal lieutenants' - concealed the alleged abuse. Ventura and "Jane" were sometimes required to engage in these acts - referred to as 'hotel nights' and 'wild king nights' - even while suffering from painful urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to prosecutors. Combs was first denied bail in November 2024 - shortly after his arrest in late September of that year. The time Combs has already served in jail - which will be over a year by the time he is sentenced - will be credited towards the final sentence imposed by the judge. 5 5
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Ex-Girlfriend, Who Was 'Victim 3' in His Indictment, Writes Letter of Support for Bail Before Sentencing
Virginia "Gina" Huynh identified herself by name for the first time and asked the judge to grant Combs bond to "allow him to continue caring for his family and fulfilling his responsibilities"NEED TO KNOW Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend Virginia "Gina" Huynh wrote a letter to a New York judge asking for him to be released on bail ahead of his sentencing Huynh, who was referred to "Victim-3" in Combs' indictment, identified herself by name for the first time and asked the judge to grant the music mogul bond to "allow him to continue caring for his family and fulfilling his responsibilities" Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and will be sentenced on Oct. 3Sean "Diddy" Combs' ex-girlfriend Virginia "Gina" Huynh, who was referred to as "Victim-3" in his indictment, wrote a letter to a New York judge asking for him to be released on bail. In her letter, Huynh — identifying herself by name for the first time — advocated for Judge Arun Subramanian to grant Combs, 55, bond to "allow him to continue caring for his family and fulfilling his responsibilities while still subject to the Court's supervision." The letter was submitted to the court on Sunday, Aug. 3, by Combs' defense team. Huynh also wrote that she does not believe Combs is a danger to the public and that he is a committed "family man … who has not been violent in many years." "I believe it is important for the Court to have a full picture of who he is beyond the allegations," she added. "Our relationship, like many, was not always perfect, we experienced ups and downs, and mistakes were made but he was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make better decisions in the future," Huynh continued in the letter. She added, "Over the years that followed, he made visible efforts to become a better person and to address the harm he had caused. By the time our relationship ended, he embodied an energy of love, patience and gentleness that was markedly different from his past behavior." Huynh said this is Combs' "first criminal case," and she wrote about how she believes the music mogul would not violate any conditions the court sets for release, as well as how she thinks he "will not jeopardize his freedom or the well-being of his family." "Throughout the investigation and proceedings, he has been cooperative, respectful and compliant. He has substantial ties to his family and community, including children who depend on him for emotional and financial support," Huynh continued. "Allowing him to be at home will also support the healing process for all involved." Before Combs' trial began, prosecutors alerted the court that they could no longer locate Huynh (then known only as "Victim-3") and said they had lost touch with both her and her attorney. She was referenced several times in the government's indictment of Combs, but she never testified in his trial. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In the indictment, prosecutors accused Combs of using "force, threats of force, and coercion, to cause victims, including but not limited to three female victims ... to engage in commercial sex acts" for payments and other financial opportunities." Combs' attorneys most recently asked the judge on July 28 to release him on a $50 million bond while he awaits sentencing for a recent federal conviction on charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. After Combs was acquitted of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy on July 2, his attorneys sought his immediate release on bond prior to his sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 3. Judge Subramanian denied his release at a bail hearing, saying Combs' history of domestic violence showed he could pose a danger to others. Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The law requires that a defendant convicted under the Mann Act be detained ahead of sentencing, unless there are 'exceptional' reasons why it would be inappropriate. Additionally, in order to be released, a defendant must not pose a risk of flight or danger to the public. During the eight-week trial, prosecutors alleged that Combs was the head of a criminal enterprise that committed such crimes as kidnapping, bribery and arson, and that he forced his ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and another former longtime girlfriend, who testified at his trial under the pseudonym "Jane," to have sex with male escorts. A 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura, 38, was among the evidence jurors were shown. Prosecutors vehemently opposed Combs' release at his bail hearing, and they argued that he had been violent with Jane in June 2024 — even after his homes had been raided by federal agents and while he was aware that he was under investigation on sex trafficking allegations. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy's Attorney Asks for His Immediate Release After Surprising Verdict
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorney is asking for his immediate release after the mogul was acquitted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. 'His family is here and could sign a bond,' Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo told Judge Arun Subramanian on Wednesday, July 2. 'He should be released today.' Agnifilo asked that Diddy, 55, be allowed to return to his Miami Beach home on Star Island. When Subramanian asked, 'Are you proposing he just walk outside now?' Agnifilo said, 'Yes.' Inside the Courtroom as Diddy Reacted to the Verdict: He Was 'Ecstatic,' Thanked the Jury 'He is no longer charged with sex trafficking or racketeering,' Agnifilo said. 'His plane has been chartered — it is in Maui. He does not have access to his plane. This is his first conviction, and it is a prostitution offense. He should be released.' Agnifilo requested a $1 million bond that would allow Diddy to travel to New York, Los Angeles and Florida. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said, 'The U.S. opposes his release.' 'A person found guilty shall be detained until the judicial officer finds he is not likely to flee or be a danger,' Comey argued. Subramanian said he needed 'to address a few matters with the lawyer.' 'I am not going to resolve this this second,' the judge added. 'I need to review the statutes.' Attorneys from both sides have until 1 p.m. ET to submit letters about Diddy's potential release. Subramanian left the courtroom, which resulted in clapping and cheering from the gallery in the courtroom. Diddy was then led back to his holding cell. While he was acquitted on the racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail. The 12-person jury — consisting of eight men and four women — began their deliberations on Monday, June 30. After the verdict was read, Judge Subramanian issued a warning about approaching the jury members for comment. 'I ask the media not to question jurors about their deliberations,' Subramanian said. 'Jurors, you can contact our chambers. You gave up a lot, these 10 weeks. It is inspiring. You worked together, rain or shine. You answered the call of public service, that should give us hope.' Diddy pleaded not guilty to all charges lobbied against him after his September 2024 arrest in New York City and has denied all of the allegations. Multiple people have accused Diddy of sexual assault and sex trafficking, beginning with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Ventura, 38, testified in May as a key witness for the prosecution. In a statement to Us Weekly on Wednesday, Ventura's attorney Douglas H. Wigdor reacted to the Diddy verdict. "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,' Wigdor said. 'Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.' The statement continued, 'We must repeat — with no reservation — that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." A Timeline of Diddy's Legal Troubles and Accusations: From Cassie Lawsuit to Multiple Arrests Diddy's arrest came nearly one year after Ventura filed a lawsuit against him accusing him of sexual and physical abuse throughout their relationship, which lasted off and on from 2007 to 2018. The mogul denied her claims in a statement shared by his attorney. 'Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations,' Diddy's lawyer Ben Brafman said at the time. One day after the suit was filed, Diddy and Ventura settled out of court. In May 2024, CNN published a hotel surveillance video of Diddy kicking and grabbing Cassie in 2016. He later apologized for his actions in a video shared via Instagram. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Solve the daily Crossword
CNA
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sentencing set for Oct 3 after split verdict in federal sex crimes case
Sean 'Diddy' Combs will be sentenced in his federal criminal case on Oct 3, a judge said Tuesday (Jul 8) after probation officials rejected the defence and prosecution's plan to move the date up by about two weeks. Combs, who remains jailed after a split verdict last week, spoke briefly to his lawyer Marc Agnifilo during a virtual hearing on the scheduling issue that lasted all of two minutes. At one point he asked the lawyer to turn on his camera so they could see each other's faces. The hip-hop mogul's lawyers had been urging Judge Arun Subramanian to sentence him as soon as possible after jurors acquitted him last week on racketeering and sex trafficking but convicted him on two prostitution-related charges. Combs, 55, faces up to a decade in prison for each of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution for flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and male sex workers, for sexual encounters. A conviction on racketeering conspiracy or sex trafficking could have put him in prison for life. Prior to Tuesday's hearing, Combs' lawyers and prosecutors filed a joint letter proposing a Sep 22 sentencing date, subject to the consent of the US Probation Office. A short time later, they filed a second letter stating that all parties – including the probation office – were on board with the Oct 3 date Subramanian originally proposed. Combs got a standing ovation from fellow inmates when he returned to jail after the verdict last week, Agnifilo said. The Bad Boy Records founder will remain at the federal lockup in Brooklyn where he's been held since his arrest last September after Subramanian last week rejected his request for bail. The judge, citing a now-infamous video of Combs beating a former girlfriend and photographs showing injuries to another ex-girlfriend, made clear that he plans to hold Combs accountable for the years of violence and bullying behaviour that were exposed at his eight-week trial. Combs' lawyers want less than the 21 to 27 months in prison that they believe the sentencing guidelines recommend. Prosecutors contend that the guidelines, when properly calculated to include Combs' crimes and violent history, call for at least four to five years in prison. Combs' punishment is Subramanian's decision alone, and the judge will have wide latitude in determining a sentence. While judges often adhere to the federal judiciary's formulaic guidelines meant to prevent disparity in sentences for the same crimes, they are not mandatory.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentencing date hearing unexpectedly adjourned
A hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to hear arguments for Sean "Diddy" Combs to receive an earlier sentencing date was adjourned without any arguments being presented or a new date being set. Defense attorneys and federal prosecutors initially agreed to a Sept. 22 sentencing date for Combs, according to a joint letter filed Tuesday ahead of a remote hearing set for 2 p.m. ET. Then, shortly before the hearing, attorneys for both sides sent another joint letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, saying that they had agreed to the judge's original proposed sentencing date of Oct. 3. Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo and prosecutor Christy Slavik were on the scheduled teleconference when the courtroom deputy interrupted to see if the attorneys had anything to discuss beyond a sentencing date. When Agnifilo and Slavik answered they had nothing further, the deputy adjourned the conference and informed them that Subramanian would respond to the parties in writing. Subramanian has now set sentencing for Sean Combs for Oct. 3, according to a post on the court docket. It was not immediately clear why the defense apparently abandoned – at least for now – their attempt to secure expedited sentencing for Combs. Juror in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial pushes back on claim that celebrity influence played a role in verdict Subramanian had agreed to hear arguments for expedited sentencing following a split verdict on July 2 that acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking but convicted him on the two counts of prostitution-related charges he faced. The defense argued in court last week that 'exceptional circumstances' warranted expedited sentencing, including the 2018 death of Combs' romantic partner, Kim Porter. 'The mother of some of his children had passed away many years ago. These kids, the two daughters here sitting in the middle of your honor's second row, don't have a parent,' defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said in court last week59 Federal prosecutors appeared to oppose anything other than the usual course, including a pre-sentence report from probation officials that would require Combs to sit for an interview. 'The only things exceptional about this defendant are his wealth, his violence and his brazenness,' prosecutor Maurene Comey said. She also said that the government plans to pursue 'significant incarceration' for Combs on the prostitution charges. Cassie Ventura's lawyer releases statement on 'Diddy' split verdict: 'She paved the way' Combs faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, though it's possible that he will receive less than that for a first-time conviction. Any sentence would include credit for time served, which so far totals roughly 10 months. Combs' split verdict last week followed six weeks of testimony that saw the prosecution present 34 witnesses and the defense present none. The jury of eight men and four women deliberated just over two days before reaching their decision.
