The sex trafficking trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to begin on May 5, according to an announcement made by a federal judge on Thursday. The trial is expected to last about a month, though prosecutors noted the duration could be extended if additional charges are filed.
Combs faces charges of sex trafficking by force, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege he operated an “enterprise” involved in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, and other crimes, as outlined in the indictment unsealed last month.
“Our investigation is still very much ongoing,” prosecutor Emily Johnson stated, suggesting that the length of the trial could change if a superseding indictment introduces new charges.
Combs remains in jail after a federal appeals court declined to release him on bail while a three-judge panel reviews whether he should be granted bail under the terms of a $50 million bond, restricted visitor access, and supervision by private security guards.
Appearing in court Thursday in a beige jail uniform with ankle shackles, Combs greeted his attorneys and waved to his mother and sons as he entered the courtroom.
Prosecutors revealed that federal authorities have seized a total of 100 electronic devices from Combs, with 51 taken during a March raid at his Los Angeles mansion, 36 seized from his Miami estate, and nine confiscated during a search at a private airport in Florida. Investigators are still working to extract data from the devices as part of the ongoing investigation.