Defense attorneys lobby for Combs’ release from prison despite prostitution conviction
Sean Combs could walk outside of a lower Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday afternoon following his acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
After Combs was found guilty on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution, his attorneys immediately filed a motion for the 55-year-old to be released from custody pending his sentencing.
Pointing out Combs’ sobbing family members seated just a few feet behind a rejoicing Combs, the vindicated hip-hop mogul’s lead attorney Marc Agnifilo emphasized to Judge Arun Subramanian that Combs was not a flight risk and that some of his children would cosign the one-time billionaire’s $1 million bond.
“Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” Agnifilo argued, adding his client would be “nothing short of a fool” to violate a court order. “He will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him,” Agnifilo said.
Combs has now cleared the risk of serving life in prison on the three most serious counts against him. Still, the prostitution conviction could land Combs in prison for up to 20 years, with each charge carrying a possible sentence of up to 10 years. Legal experts, however, have noted that the actual sentence could be less severe, especially since Combs had no prior criminal record. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
But prosecutors raised concerns that Combs would “flagrantly disregard orders from this court” if released. They cited evidence presented during the trial that Combs “continued to commit a litany of crimes” — such as alleged abuse and drug use — even after he knew he was under federal investigation.
“This is very, very serious conduct,” said lead prosecutor Maurene Comey, who also reminded the judge that Combs did not “contest” that there was rampant domestic violence and substance abuse throughout the charged conduct. She raised concerns that Combs would “commit new crimes” and attempt to flee if given the chance.
Rolling Stone has learned that letters are being sent to the judge urging him to not release Combs pending sentencing, as the judge weighs his decision. Subramanian is expected to issue his ruling later this afternoon.
