More than one (1) month after a Federal jury deadlocked in his Cocaine Trafficking trial, Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton walked out of the Pinellas County Jail today after a judge ordered his release under strict conditions.Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, declined comment and covered his face as he left jail and headed home to South Florida.He had been behind bars since his arrest in December. A Federal judge declared a mistrial September 27th after jurors couldn’t agree on a verdict. Banton is scheduled to be tried again in February.
“We’re thrilled that Buju will have some time to regroup before we try this case again,” defense attorney David Oscar Markus said.
As a condition of Banton’s release, his friend Stephen Marley, a musician and son of reggae icon Bob Marley, posted $300,000 worth of equity in his South Florida home.
Last month, U.S. Magistrate Anthony Porcelli ruled that Banton could be released under stringent conditions. U.S. District Judge James Moody last week denied a prosecution appeal of Porcelli’s ruling.
Under the terms of Banton’s bond, he must pay a private security detail to guard him so he doesn’t flee. He also was required to sign an extradition waiver (ensuring his return if he does flee the country) and he will have to wear an electronic monitoring device.
Two (2) men indicted along with Banton, including the singer’s driver, have pleaded Guilty and are awaiting Sentencing.
Banton maintains he was set up by a well-paid government informant.
However, Federal prosecutors have argued that recorded conversations show Banton was an experienced Cocaine Trafficker who was trying to invest in another deal
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a Drug Trafficking or any other Drug Offense, the Clearwater-based Blake & Dorsten, P.A. is on your side.
Former State Prosecutor Nicholas J. Dorsten is available to handle any drug-related offense throughout the Tampa Bay area (as well as select cases throughout the State of Florida).
To discuss your case with an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney, please contact the Blake & Dorsten, P.A. at 727.286.6141. You can also email attorney Nicholas J. Dorsten directly at: info@blakedorstenlaw.com
For more information, please visit: www.blakedorstenlaw.com