by Mick the Ram

Barring an appeal, “P Diddy” is set to remain in federal custody until his trial on sex trafficking and other serious charges, after being denied bail.

Manhattan Federal Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky made the ruling after a hearing that lasted nearly two hours on Tuesday 17 September, when agreeing with the US Attorney’s office prosecutors, who had argued that there was a “serious flight risk” following the rapper’s arrest the day before.

He has been accused of running a criminal enterprise which relied on drugs and violence to force women to “fulfil his sexual desires” whilst protecting his reputation and concealing his conduct.

The prosecutors laid out a lengthy contention for why Sean Combs should not be released, expressing their concern that he would interfere with victims and witnesses, were he not remanded.

His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated that his client is the target of “an unjust prosecution” and said his defence team believed in him “wholeheartedly”. They had offered a $50m bond with travel restrictions attached; plus a NYC-based “home detention” with GPS monitoring.

A 14-page indictment, released on Tuesday (17 September) morning, revealed that Mr Combs had been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Additionally the documents suggest that Mr Combs was party to forced labour, kidnapping, arson and bribery.

In a press briefing after the indictment was unsealed, US prosecutor Damian Williams said officials found firearms, ammunition and more than 1,000 bottles of lubricant during raids on Mr Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles. Three semi-automatic rifles with defaced serial numbers, and a drum magazine, were also found.

Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson said: “Mr. Combs physically and sexually abused victims for decades. He used the vast resources of his company to facilitate his abuse and cover up his crimes. Simply put, he is a serial abuser and a serial obstructor.”

The musician stood in a black T-shirt and grey workout trousers to plead “not guilty” and appeared visibly shocked as the judge gave her verdict on the bail request.

“Your lawyer can’t control you,” the judge said, citing her “very significant concerns” with his alleged substance abuse, his “anger issues” and his alleged efforts behind closed doors to control the outcome of his prosecution.

His next hearing is set for 24 September.