Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorney plans to appeal his release from prison, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE on Monday, Sept. 30.
Alexandra Shapiro, who is on Combs’ legal team, filed a notice of intent to appeal his release Monday after he was twice denied bail. The actual appeal will be filed soon, a source close to Combs tells PEOPLE.
Combs is building his “dream legal team” by hiring attorney Anthony Ricco and attorney Shapiro, the source added.
The disgraced music mogul (54) was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on Monday, September 16, at 8:25 p.m. His 14-page indictment was unsealed the next day, detailing the charges against Combs.
He is accused of allegedly committing several “freaks,” which prosecutors described as “elaborate and manufactured sexual performances” and allegedly forcing others to participate. He also allegedly drugged and sexually abused his victims.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs wants to testify at his upcoming federal sex crimes trial, his lawyer claims
On September 18, the same day the notice of intent to appeal was filed, Combs was denied release for the second time. He is currently being held at the Brooklyn Detention Center.
Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky, who initially denied Combs’ bail on Tuesday, Sept. 17, cited his alleged “substance abuse and what appears to be an anger problem.”
She added, “I don’t know if you can trust yourself” that you won’t harm others.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
Steve Granitz/WireImage
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Meanwhile, Combs is no longer under suicide watch, sources told PEOPLE on Sunday, Sept. 29. One source says his family has visited him while he is awaiting trial in prison.
“He is focused and very strong,” Combs’ attorney told PEOPLE. “He is concentrating on his defense and preparing for trial.”
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Sources previously told PEOPLE that Combs was suicidal as a precautionary measure, noting that he was in shock. His mental state was also unclear. It was not known if he was suicidal or how long he had been on suicide watch at the time.
Suicide watch is “supervisory precautions taken for suicidal inmates that require frequent observation,” according to the US Department of Justice’s National Bureau of Prisons.
Combs’ next court appearance is in early October.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
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