Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Lawyers Accuse Government of Leaking Information in Sex-Trafficking Case

Lawyers representing Sean "Diddy" Combs have raised concerns about unlawful leaks from the federal government, which they claim have negatively impacted his sex-trafficking case. The leaks, including details about his grand jury and the search of his Miami and Los Angeles residences in March, have created a prejudicial environment, according to Combs' legal team.

Allegations of Prejudicial Publicity

Combs' attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, filed a 17-page motion on Wednesday night, arguing that the leaks have led to damaging pre-trial publicity. They believe that this could influence the jury pool and hinder Combs' right to a fair trial. The motion was submitted to the federal judge in Manhattan overseeing the case.

Demands for Investigation

The defense team is requesting an evidentiary hearing to investigate government misconduct related to the leaks. They are also asking for a gag order on prosecutors and government officials to prevent further leaks to the media. Additionally, they want officials, particularly agents from the Department of Homeland Security, to provide emails, documents, and records linked to the alleged leaks.

Accusations Against Homeland Security

The motion specifically points fingers at Homeland Security for the leaks, although prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office are also accused of failing to address the issue despite complaints from the defense. Federal law prohibits all Department of Justice employees from releasing prejudicial information to influence a trial, regardless of any action taken by the US Attorney's Office.

Excessive Search Tactics

During the searches of Combs' properties in LA and Miami, more than 50 agents arrived with military-style armored vehicles and heavily armed agents in combat gear. The defense team criticized the excessive show of force, suggesting it was an attempt to sensationalize the case and portray Combs as dangerous. They also highlighted the brutal treatment of Combs' sons during the searches.

Disputed Firearms Allegations

The indictment against Combs alleged that guns and ammunition were seized from his Miami property, including firearms with defaced serial numbers. It also claimed that Combs used firearms to intimidate and threaten others. However, Combs' lawyers maintain that he employed a security company and did not own the guns found at his residence.

Leaks to the Press

The defense motion accuses unnamed DHS employees of leaking grand jury information and materials to the press to create hostility towards Combs. They specifically point to a surveillance video from 2016, leaked to CNN, showing Combs involved in a physical altercation. The defense team believes Homeland Security leaked the video to tarnish Combs' image.

Response from Prosecutors

In response to the defense's allegations, prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office denied having possession of the surveillance video before it was leaked. They emphasized that DHS would have shared such evidence with them if they had it. The prosecutors labeled the defense's speculation about DHS possessing and leaking the video as absurd.

Upcoming Trial Date Request

Combs is expected to request a trial date in April or May 2025 during the next hearing. The government has stated its readiness for trial, leaving the decision on setting a trial date to the court. The letter to the judge did not mention new bail arguments, and Combs remains in federal custody in Brooklyn.

Overall, the legal battle surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking case continues to unfold, with allegations of leaks, excessive search tactics, and disputed firearm claims shaping the narrative.

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By: litaliano@insider.com (Laura Italiano)
Title: Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Lawyers Accuse Government of Leaking Information in Sex-Trafficking Case
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-accuses-doj-grand-jury-leaks-2024-10
Published Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:08:55 +0000