Buju is a rock

BY KARYL WALKER Observer Online news editor walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, April 17, 2011

DESPITE languishing in the Pinellas County Jail in Florida almost two months after being convicted on drug charges, Reggae star Buju Banton is said to still be in high spirits and is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able to walk free.

The artiste was found guilty by a 12-member panel of jurors, during a second drug trial in Tampa, Florida in February, 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.

He was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Banton is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23 and could be locked away for 15 years to life, but, according to his lead attorney David Oscar Markus, the artiste is still optimistic that he will be exonerated.
"Buju is amazing — he is still in good spirits and believes that good things are still going to happen. He is very happy that people are still supporting him and continuing to send him letters and good wishes. We are trying to stay optimistic. Buju makes that much easier. He is a rock and gives us all strength," Markus told the Sunday Observer. He said the appeal against the guilty verdict will be filed after the artiste is sentenced.
"We will be filing our appeal after he is sentenced. Our motions for the judge to set aside the jury's verdict is still pending," Markus said.

Banton had spent 11 months in jail after being arrested by federal agents at his home in Tamarac, South Florida in December 2009. He was arrested hours after drug enforcement agents in Tampa, Florida arrested two co-conspirators, James Mack and Ian Thomas, in a police-controlled warehouse, attempting to purchase a huge amount of cocaine from undercover cops.

Thomas and Mack have since pleaded guilty and are yet to be sentenced.
In his first trial in September last year, a panel of jurors, after days of deliberating, could not come to a unanimous decision as to his guilt or innocence and the case ended in a mistrial.
Banton was then granted bail and placed under house arrest after his close friend Stephen Marley, son of reggae king Bob Marley, put up his house in Florida as collateral. Banton was also allowed by a magistrate to perform at a concert in downtown Miami in order to raise funds to foot his legal bills for a second trial.
Ever since his arrest, Banton, whose birth name is Mark Anthony Myrie, has maintained his innocence and claims he was entrapped by the United States Government which paid an informant US$50,000 to snare him.
He also claimed that he bragged about fictitious drug connections in order to impress the informant who promised to secure a record deal for him.

He was found guilty just days after he was awarded the Reggae Grammy award for his album Before The Dawn.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-is-a-rock_8680223

Buju Banton to be sentenced June 16

TAMPA, Florida (CMC) – A United States federal judge has set June 16 as the sentencing date for Jamaican Grammy Award-winning reggae star Buju Banton.
Court officials said that Judge James S Moody, Jr will preside over the sentencing of Banton, 37, whose real name is Mark Myrie. The reggae star faces up to 20 years in prison.

Last month, a 12-member federal jury found Banton guilty on three cocaine-related charges, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilogrammes or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

They also found him guilty of attempting to possess five kilogrammes or more of cocaine, and for aiding and abetting others in using a communication facility in the commission of a felony.

The jury, however, did not find him guilty of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during the course of a drug-trafficking crime.

The singer has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, the second since a jury reached a deadlock late last year.

Banton’s attorney, David Markus, argued that the artiste never became a willing participant of the cocaine conspiracy arguing that tasting the cocaine, talking about cocaine and simply being present at the warehouse is not sufficient to find Banton guilty of the crimes.

Banton was arrested on December 10, 2009 in a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sting operation.
Banton‚s long-time friend, Ian Thomas, and another man, James Mack, were arrested the same day when they attempted to buy cocaine from undercover detectives in a Florida warehouse.

Thomas and Mack pleaded guilty, but Buju denied the charges.

Banton, who is in detention awaiting sentencing, thanked his fans for their support, stating: "our life and our destiny are sometimes pre-destined; and, no matter where this journey takes me, remember I fought the good fight.

"It was a great man that said my head is bloody but still unbowed I love you all thank you for your support," he said.

Banton reached the zenith of his singing career on February 13 when his album, 'Before the Dawn', was awarded the Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

Prosecutors charged Banton was the middleman in a cocaine transaction between Tampa dope dealers and a confidential informant working with the DEA.

Banton was caught on covert audio and videotape boasting about the „no-risk‰ drug deal and sampling the illicit white powder, prosecutors said.
"This is not about Buju Banton, the reggae singer. This is about Mark Myrie, the drug defendant," Assistant US Attorney James Preston said during his closing argument.
But Markus countered that the singer did not profit from the drug deal, stating that Banton was snared in the DEA probe because he is "a big talker" and was trying to impress the confidential informant, who ended up with a US$50,000 commission following the bust.

Markus said he has filed a motion in the United States District Court, Tampa Division, asking for acquittal or a new trial, and that the reggae star be released on bail.
But prosecutors said that they would be seeking to squash the defence motion since the claim is "without merit".

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-Banton-to-be-sentenced-June-16

'Remain confident,' Buju tells dejected friends

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Remain-confident-Buju-tells-dejected-friends_8442012

TAMPA, Florida — Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae artiste Buju Banton was said by close friends to be in good mental condition yesterday, four days after his conviction on gun and drug charges which could land him prison for life.
The Sunday Observer has learnt that the artiste has been consoling and encouraging friends who have been devastated by his conviction last Tuesday.

A number of persons told the Sunday Observer between then and yesterday that the artiste has been showing amazing strength in the Pinellas County jail where he is awaiting sentencing.
No specific date has been set for Banton's sentencing, but his attorney, David Oscar Markus, said it would be within the next three months.
"I called him yesterday crying and he was the one encouraging me to keep strong," said a friend of the artiste, who asked not be named.
"He's is doing fine," said another earlier last week. "He is encouraging us to remain confident."
These accounts are in line with Markus' assessment  of the artiste's mindset immediately following the conviction. "We are all devastated," Markus told a group of reporters outside the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in downtown Tampa where the case was tried. "He seems to be the only person that is doing well."
One of the reasons given for the strength being displayed by Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, could be his confidence that his conviction will be overturned on appeal or his insistence that he is innocent.
The 37-year-old artiste had said during his two days in the witness box that if he were guilty of the crime for which he had been charged he would have accepted the two-year plea deal offered to him by the prosecution.
Banton has also been telling depressed friends, "It's not over," in reference to his appeal.
The artiste has been convicted 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.
However, he was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Banton was arrested on December 10, 2009 hours after two men — Ian Thomas and James Mack — were busted in an undercover warehouse where they had gone to purchase cocaine. US$135,000 was seized and the gun for which Banton was charged was found in Mack's car. Both men have pleaded guilty and are yet to be sentenced.
The operation was set in train in July 2009 as a result of Banton's bragging to US government informant Alexander Johnson that he was a financier of drugs and sought his assistance in expanding his venture.
The prosecution has contended that Banton was instrumental in brokering the deal, which resulted in the arrest. But Banton said that he was not part of the deal, even though he introduced Thomas to Johnson.
Banton said he was merely talking when he spoke with Johnson about making drug deals and that it was Thomas who brokered the deal. The artiste said he backed away from Johnson after December 8, 2009 when Johnson showed him cocaine in a warehouse. Banton was captured on video tasting the drug.
Banton's first trial last September ended with a hung jury, paving the way for the retrial, which began on February 14.

Buju back in Pinellas County Jail

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-back-in-Pinellas-County-Jail

JAMAICAN Reggae artiste Buju Banton is now languishing in the Pinellas County Jail in Tampa, Florida where he spent almost 11 months while awaiting trial in 2010.
Banton, real name Mark Myrie, was transferred to the penal facility yesterday after the guilty verdict on three drug-related offences were handed down by a panel of jurors, which included three African-American women.
When the jury returned with their verdict after 11 hours of deliberations, the three African-Americans were observed smiling.
Banton was detained immediately after the guilty verdict was handed down and had his bail revoked.
During his first stint in jail, the artiste reportedly lost weight and was being housed in an isolated section of the Pinellas County Jail as punishment for sharing his food with inmates.
He complained bitterly that he was being denied vegetarian meals and had lost weight, but prison authorities countered by saying that he had actually gained a few pounds.

BONDAGE! - Buju faces 15 to life after guilty verdict

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/BONDAGE----Buju-faces-15-to-life-after-guilty-verdict_8418691


TAMPA, USA — Reggae superstar Buju Banton walked unshackled into the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court yesterday morning but by late afternoon he was led out in handcuffs after a jury, deliberating for a second day, returned guilty verdicts on three of four charges against the Jamaican Grammy-winning artiste.
The verdict, which came at around 2:22 pm, left Banton's overly optimistic supporters in shock, and had them streaming out of the courtroom in tears. The more than two dozen supporters afterward expressed anger and disbelief at the decision which came little over an hour after the lunch break.

Banton stood emotionless as the verdict was being read. Afterwards, he hugged the members of his legal team.
"We love you," Banton's manager Traci McGregor shouted in court immediately after the verdict was read. The artiste similarly responded and told his supporters "Thank you."
The artiste 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.
However, he was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Shortly after, Banton — whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie — met his legal team of David Oscar Markus, Marc David Seitles and Margot Moss. Markus emerged an hour later telling reporters that the conviction would be appealed.
An emotional Markus read a statement prepared by Banton after the guilty verdict.
"Our life and our destiny are sometimes pre-destined and no matter where this journey takes me, remember I fought the good fight," said the statement. "It was a great man that said 'my head is bloody but still unbowed'. I love you all. Thank you for your support. Keep loving God."
Banton is to be sentenced in another three months and faces 15 years to life behind bars, Markus said. The lawyer is expected to apply to have Banton's US$250,000 bail restored during the period leading up to the sentence.
The artiste had been on trial since Monday, February 14. The 12 jurors, three of whom were African-Americans, started deliberating last Friday morning.
Banton's first trial ended in September last year with the jurors being unable to reach a unanimous verdict, setting up the second trial.
He was arrested on December 10, 2009, hours after two men — Ian Thomas and James Mack — were busted in an undercover warehouse where they had gone to purchase cocaine. US$135,000 was seized and the gun for which Banton was charged was found in Mack's car. Both men had pleaded guilty and are yet to be sentenced.
The operation was set in train in July 2009 as a result of Banton's bragging to US government informant Alexander Johnson that he was a financier of drugs and sought his assistance in expanding his venture.
The prosecution has contended that Banton was instrumental in brokering the deal, which resulted in the arrest. But Banton said that he was not part of the deal, even though he introduced Thomas to Johnson.
Banton said he was merely talking when he spoke with Johnson about making drug deals and that it was Thomas who brokered the deal. The artiste said he backed away from Johnson after December 8, 2009 when Johnson showed him cocaine in a warehouse. Banton was captured on video tasting the drug.
Minutes after eight o'clock yesterday morning, a relaxed Banton made the short stroll from his hotel to the court surrounded by his attorneys, security detail and supporters. Moments before the jurors resumed deliberations yesterday morning, supporters sent up fervent and lengthy prayers for the artiste's freedom in the hallway of the court.
Despite the verdict, supporters still hold out faith that God will free Banton on appeal.
"Last thing me and DJ spoke about was going home," add a tearful Wayne Wonder, with whom Banton made numerous hit songs in the 1990s. "He was the one who told us to stay strong. It's not over yet."

Buju Banton says thanks to his fans

http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=26681

Jamaican reggae superstar-turned-convict Buju Banton has expressed appreciation to his fans for their support. 

"Our life and our destiny are sometimes predestined and no matter where this journey takes me remember I fought the good fight. It was a great man that said my head is bloody but sill endowed. I love you all, thank you for your support," Buju said in a statement read today by his attorney David Oscar Markus. 

A jury at 2:30 today returned a guilty verdict on three of the four cocaine-related charges for which Buju was tried last week. 

In a brief statement Markus said, "we are all very sad, disappointed and emotional.". 

"The only person who seems to be ok is Buju. We just saw him in the lock-up and he has told us that he was happy that he fought knowing that he is innocent." 

Buju lawyer to appeal case

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-lawyer-to-appeal-case


ATTORNEY representing Reggae star Buju Banton, David Oscar Markus, has signalled his intention to appeal the guilty verdict that was handed down in the United States Sam Gibbons Federal Court today.
Banton was declared 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 by a 12-member panel of jurors.
However he was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
The artiste hugged Markus when the verdict was read while many of his supporters left the courtroom crying. He has been detained and has had his bail revoked.
Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home in South Florida in December 2009, a day after his co-defendants Ian Thomas and James Mack were arrested in a government controlled warehouse in Tampa, Florida attempting to buy cocaine from Drug Enforcement Agents.
He was jailed for almost 11 months in the Pinellas County Jail and his first trial in September last year ended in a hung jury forcing US Judge Tom Moody to order a retrial.
The artiste has consistently pleaded his innocence and claims he was entrapped by the US government.

Buju found guilty

News mi neva did waan deliver... Caah believe!!! No sah! Babylon ting

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/Buju-guilty-


REGGAE star Buju Banton was found guilty on three charges by a 12-member panel of jurors a short while ago.
The artiste was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine,  and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.
However he was found not guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence.
The artiste hugged his lawyer David Markus when the verdict was read.


Many of the artiste's supporters left the courtroom crying. He has been detained and has had his bail revoked..

Nervous moments for Buju as jury asks for more

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Nervous-moments-for-Buju-as-jury-asks-for-more


Jurors ask for clarification on aiding and abetting law


FLORIDA, USA — There were nervous moments for Buju Banton and his supporters a short while ago at the United States Sam Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa when jurors returned from lunch asking for clarification on the aiding and abetting law.
The jurors wanted to know if the aiding applies to the gun charge but after submissions from the defence attorneys and the prosecution the judge James Moody ruled that it does not.
Moody said the aiding and abetting only applies to the wire count against the artiste.
After the ruling attorney David Oscar Markus, representing Banton — real name Mark Myrie — turned to supporters with thumbs up repeating, "Still alive, still alive."
Supporters could be observed clutching each others hands. Deep breathing reverberated and some whispered silent prayers.
Former co-defendant James Mack had been held with the gun for which Banton is charged. Mack has already pleaded guilty and told authorities he never knew Banton before he was arrested.

Buju trial to resume on Tuesday - No verdict yet

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Buju-trial-to-resume-on-Tuesday


FLORIDA, USA – Jurors in the Buju Banton trial will resume deliberations on Tuesday after failing to reach a verdict today. Monday is a public holiday in the United States.
At 9:37 this morning Judge Jim Moody handed over the case to the jurors after spending more than an-half-hour addressing them on the law in relation to the charges against Banton.
The artiste appeared a bit more relaxed than he did this morning while heading to court.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been on trial in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court since Monday on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence; and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offence.

The jurors were instructed to consider each charge separately.
In instructing the jurors, Moody said in order to reach a guilty verdict they all had to find beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was a willing participant in a conspiracy, among other things. Regarding the firearm charge Moody said that the defendant had to knowingly possessed the firearm during the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime to be convicted.

The gun for which Banton has been charged was found in the car of a James Mack on December 10, 2009 during a drug sting operation. Banton was not on the scene when Mack was arrested and the gun found. The prosecution is contending that Banton, Mack and Ian Thomas conspired to possess and distribute the cocaine. Banton was arrested hours later at his Florida home.