Combs claims that an unnamed investigator, during a sweep aimed at finding contraband, intentionally targeted him, knowing that his notes could provide valuable insight for the prosecution. The investigator reportedly found a folder, an address book, and several legal pads containing the notes. Instead of following the agreed-upon procedure for handling potentially privileged materials, the prosecution was allowed access to most of the documents, Combs contends.
The defense further argued that the sweep’s purported purpose—to search for contraband—was a false pretext, as the notes were not seized but only photographed. Combs insists that the search was intended to give prosecutors an advantage in his case, pointing to the fact that the material was used in a Nov. 15 filing to oppose his bail motion, which was ultimately denied.
Combs’ legal team is now asking the court to ensure that the notes are not used in the prosecution’s case and to reconsider the denial of bail. The case, USA v. Combs, is ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.