In a ruling that dealt a serious blow to his legal hopes, Judge Arun Subramanian denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to serve his 50-month sentence at a low-security prison in New Jersey. The judge instead said he would recommend placement “as close as practicable to the New York metropolitan area” with any available substance abuse treatment.
Combs’ legal team had asked the court to “strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix for RDAP purposes.” RDAP refers to the Bureau of Prisons’ Residential Drug Abuse Program. His attorneys argued the New Jersey facility would better support his rehabilitation, ease family visits, and allow access to educational and occupational programming.
In rejecting the request, Judge Subramanian emphasized security and proximity concerns. “I will recommend him to a facility in the New York region,” the judge wrote in court filings. The decision draws a clear line: the court can make recommendations, but the Bureau of Prisons ultimately decides actual placement.
Background and Legal Journey
Combs, 55, was convicted on two counts of transportation to facilitate prostitution under the Mann Act. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. On October 3, Judge Subramanian sentenced him to 50 months, fine of $500,000, and five years of supervised release. Credit for time served in detention means Combs could serve approximately three additional years.
Prior to sentencing, Combs addressed the court and expressed deep remorse. He called his actions “disgusting, shameful, and sick” and apologized to victims, including former partners Cassie Ventura and an individual identified as “Jane.” He also admitted to losing control, saying, “I was sick from the drugs.”
In the days before sentencing, his attorneys submitted a formal request for placement at Fort Dix, located about 70 miles south of New York City. They argued that the facility’s programs would aid his recovery and support structure. But Subramanian declined to oblige, citing logistical and security considerations.
While the judge denied the New Jersey placement, he did express willingness to recommend a facility closer to New York with substance abuse programs. But that recommendation is nonbinding. The Bureau of Prisons retains discretion to assign Combs to any qualifying institution.
Combs’ counsel signaled plans to appeal both the sentence and the placement denial. One attorney accused the judge of acting as a “13th juror” by second-guessing the jury’s acquittals. Meanwhile, prosecutors adopted a neutral stance on placement, leaving the matter largely in the hands of prison authorities.