U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has turned down rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to serve his prison sentence at the low-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix in New Jersey — a facility often described as one of the more comfortable federal prisons due to its rehabilitative programs and relatively relaxed environment.
Diddy’s legal team had appealed to the court to strongly recommend Fort Dix to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), citing its Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), counseling opportunities, and proximity to his family. The defense argued that such an environment would better aid Combs’ rehabilitation and reintegration, emphasizing that the hip-hop mogul is seeking “personal reform and accountability.”
However, Judge Subramanian ruled that while the court can suggest a general geographic location for incarceration, it cannot explicitly endorse or request a specific prison facility.
In his written order, Subramanian stated that he would recommend Combs be placed in a facility “within the geographic location of the defense’s choosing” and that he be evaluated for admission into substance-abuse treatment programs — but stopped short of naming Fort Dix itself.
“The authority to determine placement lies solely with the Bureau of Prisons,” the judge clarified, effectively denying Diddy’s preference for the New Jersey facility.
Combs, 55, was recently convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act, though he was acquitted of more serious allegations, including racketeering and sex trafficking. The case — which drew widespread attention for its explosive testimonies and celebrity context — marked one of the most high-profile criminal trials in recent entertainment history.
The Bureau of Prisons will now determine where Diddy will serve his sentence, taking into account his security classification, rehabilitation needs, and the court’s general recommendations. Fort Dix, once home to notorious figures like “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli, had been a favored option for Diddy’s team due to its rehabilitative focus and relative accessibility for family visits.
Still, Judge Subramanian’s ruling signals that the final decision rests entirely with federal authorities — not the defense, and not the court.
As Diddy awaits assignment, legal analysts say his focus will likely shift to appeal proceedings and requests for sentence adjustments, while his lawyers continue to push for conditions that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
