Sean "Diddy" Combs isn't living in a penthouse anymore. He's at FCI Fort Dix. It’s a low-security federal prison in New Jersey, a massive shift from the luxury of his Miami and LA estates. People keep asking if he’s "missing" or if he's getting special treatment because of his fame. Honestly? The reality is way more mundane and a lot more restrictive than the internet rumors suggest. He’s not in a private suite. He’s in a bunk.
The music mogul was sentenced back in October 2025. This came after a trial that felt like a permanent fixture on every news cycle for months. Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a 50-month sentence—roughly four years and two months. You might remember the headlines. He was actually acquitted of the heaviest charges, like racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could have put him away for life. Instead, he was found guilty on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution. Basically, the jury didn't buy the whole criminal enterprise theory, but they did find he broke the law regarding the movement of people for sex acts.
Life at FCI Fort Dix: The Daily Routine
Fort Dix isn't the "hell on earth" that the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn was described as. When Diddy was at the MDC awaiting trial, his lawyers were constantly complaining about the violence and the "barbaric" conditions there. Now, things are different. He’s got a job. Every able-bodied inmate works. Diddy is currently assigned as a chaplain’s assistant.
It’s actually a pretty coveted gig. He works in the chapel library. His publicist, Juda Engelmayer, has gone on record saying Diddy finds the environment "respectful and rewarding." It’s quiet. It has a bit of prestige. Sometimes, chaplains bring in food for religious services, which is a huge deal when you’re tired of cafeteria mystery meat.
But don't think he’s totally settled in without friction. Within his first few days, he already got in trouble. He made an unauthorized three-person phone call on November 3—which, ironically, was the day before his 56th birthday. He claimed he was talking to his legal team about a statement for The New York Times, but prison rules are strict. No third-party calls. Officials recommended he lose his phone and commissary privileges for 90 days. Imagine having no way to call home or buy an extra bag of chips for three months. That’s the reality of P Diddy in prison.
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The Sobriety and the "RDAP" Program
One of the most surprising things to come out of the sentencing was Diddy’s admission about his drug use. His lawyers pushed hard for him to be placed in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). It is the most intensive drug treatment the Bureau of Prisons offers.
Diddy told the judge he had been sober for the first time in 25 years while waiting for his trial. He blamed a lot of the "freak-offs" and the toxic behavior on a decades-long struggle with substances. Participating in RDAP isn't just about getting clean, though. It’s strategic. If an inmate successfully completes the program, they can get up to a year shaved off their sentence.
The Pardon Rumors and Donald Trump
Social media has been on fire with claims that Diddy is "bragging" about a pardon. TMZ and other outlets reported that he told fellow inmates he expected to be out by early 2026. He even wrote a personal letter to President Donald Trump.
Trump’s response? A hard no.
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In a January 2026 interview with The New York Times, Trump confirmed he received the letter but said a pardon is "off the table." This is a big shift from 2024, when there was speculation they might "rub elbows" again. For now, Diddy’s release date remains pegged to May 8, 2028, according to the Bureau of Prisons records. That date accounts for the time he already served in Brooklyn before his sentencing.
Why the Verdict Surprised Everyone
The trial was a rollercoaster. We saw testimony from Dawn Richard and mentions of Kid Cudi. Cassie Ventura’s allegations were the catalyst for everything. Yet, the prosecution couldn't make the RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges stick.
The defense team, led by Marc Agnifilo, successfully argued that while Diddy’s lifestyle was "toxic" and "physical," it wasn't a criminal empire. They portrayed it as consensual—though messy—adult behavior. The jury agreed on the lack of a "conspiracy," which is why he isn't serving 20+ years.
What Happens When He Gets Out?
Even when he leaves Fort Dix, Diddy won't be "free" in the way he used to be. His sentence includes five years of supervised release.
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- He has to participate in a domestic violence program.
- He’s subject to random drug testing.
- Probation officers can search his property at any time.
- He likely won't be able to associate with other convicted felons.
The "Love" era of his life is effectively over, replaced by a strict schedule of check-ins and regulations. He’s already sold off his private jet—the Gulfstream G550 formerly known as N1969C. It’s registered in San Marino now with a new tail number. He’s liquidating assets, likely to cover the $500,000 fine and the massive legal fees he's racked up.
If you are following this case, the most important thing to watch now is his appeal. His legal team is still trying to overturn the two prostitution-related convictions, arguing that the evidence from the "freak-offs" prejudiced the jury. If that appeal fails, he’s staying put in New Jersey for the foreseeable future.
To stay updated on this case, you should regularly check the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator using his register number to see if his facility or release date changes. You can also monitor the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system for updates on his ongoing appeal in the Southern District of New York.