Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal criminal case, which includes serious allegations of sex trafficking, has been reassigned to a new judge, according to a notice filed in the court docket on Thursday. The case will now be overseen by Judge Arun Subramanian, who took the bench in 2023 after being nominated by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Subramanian, a highly regarded legal figure, comes with significant experience from his years at the prestigious law firm Susman Godfrey, where he specialized in litigating complex civil disputes. Before his time at the firm, Subramanian also served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a position that further cemented his reputation in the legal community.

The decision to reassign the case from Judge Andrew Carter, who was initially selected at random, has not been accompanied by an official explanation. Carter, who was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2011, had previously made a crucial ruling regarding Combs’ pretrial detention. He denied Combs bond, citing concerns over witness tampering and the potential for violence. Carter noted that the allegations against Combs were severe enough that no conditions for release could sufficiently mitigate the risks. Combs’ legal team has since appealed the decision.

Sean Combs, best known for his influential career in music and business, was arrested earlier this month on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, he remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, as he awaits trial. The indictment accuses him of involvement in a scheme that spanned years, involving the recruitment of individuals for prostitution and sexual exploitation.

Combs’ high-profile arrest and subsequent detention have sent shockwaves through both the entertainment industry and the public, given his long-standing success and influential status. The charges carry significant legal weight and could potentially result in a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted. His defense team has remained firm in their stance, asserting that Combs is innocent of the accusations.

The next steps in the case will likely see Judge Subramanian presiding over critical pretrial motions, including any updates on Combs’ appeal for bond. All eyes remain on the courtroom as one of the most significant criminal cases involving a celebrity in recent years continues to unfold.