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Sean 'Diddy' Combs remains in jail after verdict, judge denies bail

Sean "Diddy" Combswill remain in aBrooklyn cellafterbeing convicted of two criminal charges. The 55-year-old has spent nearly 10 months in jail, including during histwo-month trial. On July 2, hours after Combs and his lawyerscelebratedbeing cleared of thetop criminal chargeshe faced, U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail for Combs, issuing an order to keep him incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center until his sentencing. "It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger," Subramanian said. As he explained his decision, Subramanian referenced the anonymous ex-girlfriend "Jane's" testimony that Combschoked and dragged herduring an argument in June 2024, when Combs was aware of the active federal investigation into his conduct. He also noted that Combs' team admitted "We own the domestic violence" in regards toCassie Ventura Fine's allegations of long-term abuse. Subramanian told the court that the evidence shows Combs' disregard for the rule of law and a propensity for violence. Hours earlier, Combswas found guiltyon two counts of transportation of his then-girlfriendsJaneandVentura Fine, as well as sex workers, to engage in prostitution. As for how long he could be imprisoned, according to prosecutors, sentencing guidelines suggest a prison sentence of between 51 and 63 months for Combs' convicted charges. Subramanian proposed a sentencing date of Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m., and after Combs' team indicated a desire to move up the date, the judge ordered for the prosecution and defense to submit a joint proposal on expediting Combs' sentencing. Earlier in the day, U.S. Assistant Attorney Maurene Comey opposed the defense's request for Combs to be released immediately following the verdict. "There is serious, serious conduct here that will mandate a lengthy period of incarceration," she said. Combs' defense team pushed back in court, as well asin a letter to the judge, The lawyers noted Combs' risk of receiving a lengthy prison sentence is "substantially lower" now that he was acquitted on the most serious charges he faced. The defense proposed travel restrictions, regular drug testing and a $1 million bond co-signed by himself, his mother, his sister and the mother of his oldest daughter. Following a monthslong federal investigation that includeda raidof his homes inLos AngelesandMiamiin March 2024,Combs was arrestedat a New York City hotel on Sept. 16 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs' team mademultiple attemptsat getting him released on bail in the months following his arrest, taking the issue to an appeals court and even offering a $50 million bond. Multiple judgesdenied his bids, citing the risk of him either escaping or tampering with witnesses. Combs has long maintained his innocence. He previouslypleaded not guiltyto all charges as he faced two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. Ventura Fine's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, asked Subramanian to deny Combs' request for bail ahead of his sentencing. In aletter filed to the courtJuly 2, Wigdor argued that Combs could be a threat to others, and his ongoing detention is required under a federal law, the Bail Reform Act. "Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community," Wigdor added. Deonte Nash, a stylist for Combs and Ventura Finewho testifiedabout Combs' abuse during the trial, urged the judge "to prioritize the safety of victims and witnesses" in a message included in prosecutors' letter to Subramanian. "I feel compelled to be unequivocal about the danger he poses to the public and to the individuals who have risked everything by coming forward," he wrote. "It will also endanger those who cooperated with this investigation under subpoena, who are already living in fear of retaliation." Contributing: Luc Cohen and Jack Queen, Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy denied bail at hearing, to remain in jail after verdict