Since Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, got arrested, I’ve been talking with the media about what he can expect—whether he thought he’d be remanded, how long he might serve if convicted, and more. Although Combs is currently in segregated housing at MDC Brooklyn for his own protection, many are curious about what life is like in the facility.
My friend and colleague Brad Rouse (Brad has been on our team since 2017) spent a year at MDC Brooklyn, so I know from him what others might face there. When Brad got to MDC Brooklyn, he was in rough shape—dealing with a concussion and addictions to benzodiazepines and methamphetamine. He was filled with shame, anger, fear, and had no clue what was coming.
For that year, Brad lived in a 120-man dorm in MDC’s old building. The other prisoners came from all over the U.S. and countries like Jamaica, Nigeria, Albania, and more. They all shared one big room for everything—sleeping, eating, showering.
Conditions at MDC were tough. There was no yard or gym, and the fluorescent lights were on 24/7. The noise was constant, and tensions were high. Fights could break out between even close relatives. But despite all the chaos, MDC did help Brad get the mental health care he needed. He met regularly with a psychiatrist and slowly got into a routine.
Brad’s days started with breakfast with the early risers, then he’d wipe down the unit’s glass surfaces. Over time, he found ways to get fresh vegetables and make healthier meals. In the evenings, he joined a group of Christians to sing Spanish church songs and pray for their families. It wasn’t easy, but he learned to watch the guys who handled things best and adjusted his mindset.
Life at MDC wasn’t comfortable. Brad wore a one-piece tan jumpsuit during the day, and more casual clothes after hours. Laundry was handled by another prisoner, who’d do it for a small payment. Brad remembers cold winter nights without heat, hot summer days without air conditioning, and no windows or fans to help. He usually showered in the morning to avoid the rush.
The jail staff was hit or miss—some were decent and kept the peace, others weren’t so professional. Visiting days were a small break from the routine, but they came with strict rules, including a strip search after each visit. Prisoners would press their jumpsuits and groom themselves to look presentable for visitors.
To pass the time, prisoners played cards and dominoes, gambling with packets of mackerel fillets. Brad even remembers an intense Monopoly game, which added a rare bit of excitement.
Emotionally, MDC was draining. Brad recalls waking up on Christmas and his birthday, reading about old friends’ successes in the newspaper, and hearing about the birth of his third niece. The quiet hours before breakfast were the hardest, filled with regret and frustration.
Time at MDC was strange—some days dragged on, while weeks and months flew by. Brad found that staying busy made time go faster, while focusing on his problems made it crawl. As he recovered from his concussion and drug use, he started reading books, writing long letters to friends and family, and listening to the radio. These small steps helped him feel like his mind was coming back to life.
Violence and sexual misconduct weren’t big issues at MDC. Fights happened, but they weren’t common, and the crowded conditions seemed to keep things calmer. The older prisoners, some with decades of experience, played a big role in maintaining peace.
Brad saw a lot of emotional pain at MDC. He’ll never forget the night of the 2008 Presidential election when the room erupted in cheers as Barack Obama was declared the winner. Moments like that were rare, but they brought a little unity to an otherwise tough environment.
Looking back, Brad wishes he had known about White Collar Advice and Prison Professors before he surrendered. If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t wait until you’re inside to start preparing. Your approach now will shape everything that comes next.
You can learn more about Brad in our popular New York Times article. To get started, join our weekly webinar at 1 PM Pacific / 4 PM Eastern, and let’s talk about how to prepare for what’s ahead.
Justin Paperny
Call/Text: 818-424-2220
