Sean “Diddy” Combs has been transferred to a federal jail in Brooklyn following his arrest on sex trafficking charges, which his lawyers have described as enduring horrific conditions, widespread violence, and multiple fatalities. The 54-year-old music mogul was denied a request to await trial from his $48 million mansion on Miami Beach and was sent to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC Brooklyn) on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to allegations of physically and sexually abusing women over a period exceeding a decade.
MDC Brooklyn, the only federal jail in New York City, has faced significant criticism for its conditions since it opened in the 1990s. This facility primarily holds individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial in federal courts in Manhattan or Brooklyn, in addition to inmates serving short sentences.
The jail, which currently houses about 1,200 detainees, has been labeled “hell on earth” and an “ongoing tragedy.” It has seen a significant rise in complaints regarding violence, poor living conditions, a lack of staff, and the smuggling of contraband, including drugs and cellphones. Reports have detailed frequent lockdowns that restrict inmates from accessing basic activities like visits, phone calls, showers, and exercise.
Recent incidents at the facility have raised alarm, including the stabbing death of Uriel Whyte and the death of Edwin Cordero after a fight. At least four inmates have died by suicide over the past three years. Defenders of the jail have called attention to the overcrowding and understaffing issues, contributing to what one lawyer termed “a neglected federal jail.”
Various high-profile inmates, including R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, have previously been housed at MDC Brooklyn. The facility has been scrutinized for its response to infrastructure problems and management of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially after a week-long power failure in 2019.
In a statement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons acknowledged the challenges at MDC Brooklyn and a team is working to address staffing shortages and improve conditions. Judges and advocates have criticized the Bureau for the situation within the facility, often opting to send defendants elsewhere or reducing their sentences due to these deplorable conditions.
Combs is now among a list of notable detainees at MDC Brooklyn, alongside figures like former Mexican official Genaro Garcia Luna and NXIVM founder Keith Raniere. His legal team has argued that the jail is unsuitable for pretrial detention, especially in light of recent deaths, but a judge stated it is the Bureau’s decision to determine where he is housed.
In terms of his legal troubles, Combs faces serious charges, including allegations of using his influence to coerce women and male sex workers into drug-fueled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.” The indictment claims that over years, Combs engaged in coercive tactics, including threats and physical violence, to silence victims. During a raid of his properties, authorities reportedly seized drugs, videos, and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, along with firearms.
If convicted of all charges, Combs could face a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, potentially leading to a life sentence.