NEW YORK — As Sean “Diddy” Combs faced arraignment following his sex trafficking arrest, his legal team emphasized the grim reality of the Brooklyn federal facility where he is now incarcerated. The music executive, 54, was taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn after pleading not guilty to charges alleging years of physical and sexual abuse against women.
The facility, often described as “hell on earth,” has a notorious history, with severe conditions, a high incidence of violence, and multiple inmate deaths. MDC Brooklyn, the only federal jail in New York City, has been under scrutiny for years, with reports of its dire atmosphere prompting some judges to refuse transferring individuals there. High-profile inmates have included R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sam Bankman-Fried.
In response to concerns about MDC Brooklyn, the Bureau of Prisons acknowledged ongoing staffing and maintenance issues and is implementing measures to address them. However, a judge recently rejected a plea from Combs’ attorneys to allow him to await trial under house arrest at his luxury Miami Beach mansion.
The Metropolitan Detention Center was opened in the early 1990s and primarily holds individuals awaiting trial in Manhattan or Brooklyn’s federal courts. Currently, it houses around 1,200 detainees, a decrease from over 1,600 earlier this year. While the facility includes outdoor recreation, medical services, and educational programs, it has been plagued by complaints of violence, inadequate staffing, and rampant drug smuggling.
Recent incidents highlight the jail’s severe conditions, with two inmate deaths already reported this year. Inmates often face lockdowns, restricting their ability to leave their cells for basic activities.
MDC Brooklyn’s troubled history includes issues related to inadequate infrastructure and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further complicated conditions for inmates. Many judges and legal advocates have criticized the Bureau of Prisons, prompting some judges to reconsider placements at the facility due to its poor conditions.
Combs is the latest celebrity detainee at MDC Brooklyn, following various notable figures in its recent history. The jail’s past includes problems significant enough to lead to the closure of the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan in 2021, which faced similar issues.
Combs’ attorneys contend that the MDC is unsuitable for pretrial detention, referencing recent fatalities and judges’ concerns over safety. While acknowledging the risks of incarceration, prosecutors argue that they must consider the safety of all inmates, regardless of circumstances.
The ongoing challenges with MDC Brooklyn underscore a larger pattern of issues within the Bureau of Prisons, including alarming reports of violence and administrative failures at various facilities across the United States.