A federal judge has declined to endorse Sean “Diddy” Combs’s request to serve his 50-month prison sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security federal facility in New Jersey known for its rehabilitation programs.
In an order issued October 8, 2025, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian responded to a motion from Combs’s defense team, who argued that Fort Dix would be the most appropriate setting given its proximity to Combs’s family in New York and access to substance abuse treatment.
Combs, 55, was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution, charges that stem from a federal sex trafficking and abuse case that drew national attention earlier this year.
In his written order, Judge Subramanian declined to directly recommend Fort Dix, noting that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has the ultimate authority to determine inmate placement. However, he agreed to recommend a facility “as close as possible to the New York metropolitan area” to support family visitation and rehabilitation.
The judge also gave Combs’s legal team until noon on October 10 to propose an alternative region if they preferred a different location.
Subramanian further directed that Combs “be considered for admission to any available substance abuse program, including the Bureau of Prisons’ Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP),” which is offered at Fort Dix and several other low-security facilities.
The defense had emphasized Combs’s admitted struggles with substance use, arguing that participation in RDAP would be essential to his recovery and reintegration.
Fort Dix, located about 70 miles from Manhattan, houses roughly 4,000 inmates and strongly focuses on rehabilitation and educational programming. It has hosted several well-known inmates, including former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli.
Combs’s team cited the facility’s drug treatment programs and proximity to family as reasons for their request, hoping to improve his chances of early release eligibility and personal rehabilitation.
The ruling quickly stirred heated debate on X (formerly Twitter), where users questioned whether the judge’s decision was too lenient given the severity of Combs’s crimes.
One user wrote, “Why is all of this media and hype about Diddy and his safety when Diddy had NO concern for the women he trafficked and were raped?”
Another user accused the court of inconsistency, posting, “This Judge is weird, biased, or both! Because here is EXACTLY what he said to Mr. Agnifilo, after he sentenced Diddy! … But now, the Judge won’t recommend, because he doesn’t like the Fort Dix choice!”
A third commenter, identifying as a true crime enthusiast, added: “So Judge Subramanian, if you’re okay with the RDAP program and they offer it at Fort Dix, what reason would you not recommend that one but will recommend another?”
Overall, the online sentiment leaned critical, with many calling the judge’s stance “too accommodating” for a high-profile defendant convicted of serious crimes.
The Bureau of Prisons will now evaluate Combs’s designation based on security level, medical needs, and program availability, among other factors. While the judge’s recommendation carries weight, it is not binding.
Combs could still end up at Fort Dix if the BOP determines it’s the best match for his security and treatment needs — though transfers can occur after initial placement if issues arise.
As of now, Combs’s attorneys had not publicly indicated whether they would submit a new facility preference before the October 10 deadline.
