After a long ongoing case against Buju Banton he got sentenced to ten years in jail, the lowest sentence legally allowed, in the Florida court yesterday, 23. june 2011 for his role in a large cocaine trafficking deal in 2009. He was claimed to distribute cocaine, be in possess of a firearm and using a telephone for the intention of drugtrafficking. The judge threw out the gun conviction - who couldve gave him even five more years.
It was Bantons second trial - his first ended in September when the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
The court was shown video proof of Buju Banton tasting cocaine in a Sarasota warehouse in 2009, and audio recordings of him proposing a cocaine deal to another man, that in reality was an police informant.
From the audiorecordings it was understood the way that Banton had a big role in financing cocaine distribution, while the prosecutors claimed he had never put money into a deal or profited from it and called him 'just a big talker'.
The reggae icon has been in custody since his arrest in december 2009 and will be held in a county jail for the next days before being transported to the Miami Federal Prison to serve his time.
Buju did not speak in court and did not react when the judge announced the sentenced, tho' blew a kiss and waved to his supporters as he was led away.
His lawyer, David Oscar Markus said Buju doesnt have to cut his locks, which is normally a routine for prisoners. "Its going be okay, he's going be treated with respect and dignity.” he said.
His defending team says they are ready to appeal the guilty verdict and the ten-years sentence shortly, but this process could take a year-and-a-half.
"The man is not dead. Don't call him a ghost. The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and I'm hopeful, and that is sufficient to carry me through." Said 38-year old Banton in a statement.
Update: Buju has already starting to take classes in jail after four days. He is studying political science and economics and says he hopes for a master by the time he is released.
2.10.2010 ScandiDancehall: All about the Buju case
16.11.2010 ScandiDancehall: Buju out on jail + new documents
Buju Banton - Optimistic Soul Official Video
Update: Buju has already starting to take classes in jail after four days. He is studying political science and economics and says he hopes for a master by the time he is released.
2.10.2010 ScandiDancehall: All about the Buju case
16.11.2010 ScandiDancehall: Buju out on jail + new documents
Buju Banton - Optimistic Soul Official Video
