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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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A hearing in the Sean "Diddy" Combs case will be held on Tuesday after the defense accused prosecutors of unlawfully seizing materials from Combs' jail cell.
Combs, a 55-year-old rapper and record producer, was indicted on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in September. The indictment accuses him of running a criminal enterprise operating over several years that involves coercing individuals to participate in various sexual acts. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On Friday, prosecutors accused Combs of concealing communications from jail and running social media campaigns to taint potential jurors and leak information that could be helpful to his case. They also alleged that he has contacted witnesses through third parties.
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In a letter filed Monday, the defense said that prosecutors acknowledged that they possess "possibly privileged materials, such as the notes recovered from the defendant's cell" during bail arguments last week.
The defense called the search of Combs' cell and seizure of personal items and paperwork an "outrageous government conduct amounting to a substantive due process violation."
When is Diddy's Trial?
Combs' trial is scheduled to begin on May 5.
Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His lawyers are trying to advocate for his release on bail while prosecutors argue that he should remain in jail ahead of his trial. The judge has already denied bail for Combs twice.
"This is a matter of grave concern that, most respectfully, must be addressed immediately," defense attorneys told Judge Arun Subramanian.
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A bail hearing for Combs is scheduled for Friday, but the defense requested an "immediate hearing" for prosecutors to explain who authorized the search of Combs' cell.
Combs' lawyers accused prosecutors of viewing Combs' "privileged notes to his lawyers concerning defense witnesses and defense strategies."
How Many Years is Diddy Facing?
Combs is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
Combs is also facing multiple lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. In a press conference last month, Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee said he was representing 120 alleged victims as they seek legal action against Combs.
What is a Racketeering Charge?
Racketeering is a criminal act where the person or people involved set up a coercive, fraudulent or otherwise illegal scheme or operation to make money.
The crime is mainly defined through the 1970 U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Over 30 states and territories have adopted RICO laws as well.
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