Honk News (Miami, FL) – A lawyer representing Sean “Diddy” Combs has submitted a request to step down from the mogul’s defense team.
Anthony Ricco has expressed that”under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel for Sean Combs,” in an affidavit, though he did not specify the reasons for his request.
A decision from the judge is required to finalize Ricco’s removal from the case. Combs will continue to be represented by five other attorneys in his federal sex trafficking case, with Marc Agnifilo serving as the lead counsel.
In the affidavit, Ricco states that he aimed to protect information safeguarded by attorney-client privilege, which is why his explanation was so concise. He mentioned that his decision was made following a conversation with Agnifilo.
“This motion for withdrawal of counsel, if granted, will not result in a delay of the present schedule for the commencement of jury selection and trial, or the present schedules for briefing of pretrial legal issues,” Ricco wrote. “As a result, there will be no lapse in representation, as Sean Combs will continue to be represented by five other attorneys of record.”
Combs is presently incarcerated as he prepares for his upcoming trial on federal charges. In September, the founder of Bad Boy Records faced indictment for serious allegations including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution in the Southern District of New York. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
Multiple federal judges have rejected Combs’ bail requests, expressing worries over possible witness tampering.
Combs is presently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center located in Brooklyn. The date for his trial has been set for May 5.