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Reggae star Buju Banton conviction yesterday is still sending shock waves throughout the Caribbean community.
Yesterday morning, a nervous Buju Banton entered the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court accompanied by his legal team and security detail. By approximately 2:30 PM, the jury return the shocking verdict much to the amazement of majority of whom was present in the court.
Shortly after the verdict was read, Buju Banton huged his legal team, who arguable put up a good fight against the United States Federal Government. Supporters and family members of the Grammy winning reggae artist immediately burst into tears and had to be ushered out of the court room.
Since yesterday hundreds of emails poured into Urban Islandz from fans as far as Japan and New Zealand, expressing their anger and disbelief over the conviction of the Grammy winning reggae superstar.
Buju Banton lead attorney, David Markus, told reporters gathered outside the court yesterday that Banton is expected to be sentence in another three months and is facing 15 years to life behind bars. Markus also disclosed that he will be seeking to have his client’s bail reinstated during the period leading up to the sentencing.
Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence, and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.
The jury returned a not guilty verdict for attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
There were 12 jurors, three of whom were African-Americans, all of whom were approved by Banton before his trial began on Monday, February 14.
Buju Banton is now in lockup awaiting sentencing.
