Located in Brooklyn, New York, the Metropolitan Detention Center has gained notoriety for its poor living conditions and high-profile inmates. The facility, which was constructed in the 1990s to alleviate overcrowding in New York City prisons, currently houses individuals awaiting trial in Brooklyn and Manhattan federal court.
Formerly home to music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the detention center has been described as having 'disgusting' and 'horrifying' conditions by those who have experienced it firsthand. Inmates wake up to cinder block walls, steel beds with minimal bedding, and cramped living spaces.
High-profile figures such as R. Kelly, Martin Shkreli, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Fetty Wap have all spent time at the facility. The most recent addition to this list is suspected cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada Garcia, awaiting trial on serious charges.
Despite efforts by defense attorneys, Combs was denied bail by a federal judge due to concerns about witness tampering and obstruction in his case. This decision means that Combs will remain in federal custody until his trial on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges.
The Brooklyn prison has faced numerous challenges, including staffing shortages, inmate violence, and power outages. In 2019, a prolonged power outage left inmates in near-total darkness for a week, exposing them to frigid temperatures. This incident prompted a Justice Department investigation into the living conditions at the facility.
Inmate safety has also been a concern, with reports of stabbings and fights breaking out within the prison walls. The conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center have been described as 'hell on earth' by some, highlighting the challenges faced by those housed there.
While Combs' trial date remains uncertain, his lawyer has indicated plans to appeal the bail denial. As the legal process unfolds, the spotlight remains on the conditions within the Brooklyn prison and the challenges faced by its inmates.
