Federal Jail Housing Sean “Diddy” Combs Raided by Authorities

Maeve Bidonde, Staff Writer

On Monday, Oct. 28, investigators from multiple federal agencies conducted an interagency operation at the Metropolitan Detention Center currently holding Sean “Diddy” Combs. According to the Associated Press, the Federal Bureau of Prisons released a statement saying, “The law enforcement operation was ‘design to achieve our shared goal of maintaining a safe environment for both our employees and the incarcerated individuals housed at MDC Brooklyn.’” 

According to the New York Post, the people held at the jail have long complained about the rampant violence, horrific conditions, severe staffing shortages, and drug smuggling, some of which involving employees. It was also stated they have been subject to frequent lockdowns and barred from leaving their cells for daily routines. The MDC jail houses around 1,200 detainees and is mainly used for people awaiting trial in Federal courts in Manhattan. Some are serving out short sentences post-conviction. 

Associated Press writes that Combs’ lawyers have pointed out a stream of these horrific conditions at the MDC jail. Just last month, federal prosecutors charged nine inmates at the jail for numerous attacks causing safety and security concerns. Some of those attacks included two inmates being stabbed with a makeshift icepick. Another attack involved a correctional officer shooting at a car in an unauthorized high speed chase. 

While his lawyers voice their concerns, several attempts have been made to get Combs released on bail. Combs is awaiting his trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering for next year. In their statement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said the operation had been planned in advance and that there was no active threat. 

Due to the lack of details of the operation it’s difficult to determine where the various agencies involved in the operation will go in regards to making changes to the MDC jail. Those held at the jail could see this as a sign of their complaints being addressed, but until details of the operation are released Combs is still being held at the MDC jail.