It seems the United States DEA is going after anyone anywhere these days, as evidenced by this trial. 2010 Reggae Grammy Award Winner Jamaican Citizen Buju Banton (Mark Myrie) shown above with his attorney David Markus; has been found guilty of three of four counts in his drug trial in Tampa Florida.
Buju 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 offense.
Buju was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
The guilty verdicts were delivered by a 12-member panel of jurors, picked earlier this year. Buju had previously remarked that the jury seemed to be in his opinion, ready to hear the evidence and deliver justice.
We wonder now if that's really how he felt in the end.
Just last week on February 13, 2011, Buju picked up the 2010 Grammy for Best Reggae Album - Before the Dawn. He was not allowed to attend the Grammy Awards Ceremonies. We are told his grammy was delivered by Fedex - the next day to his home in Tampa.
Observers say that Buju hugged Markus when the verdict was read; as many of his supporters left the courtroom crying. No doubt they were crushed after the previous mistrial.
Bujus' bail has been revoked and he was taken into custody in the courtroom upon the judges' acceptance; and the jury' delivery of the verdict. Buju's attorney David Markus read a brief statement on the steps of the courthouse from Buju; after he spoke to him in lockup after the trial wrapped up :
"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", said Buju.
You may remember that Buju 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. they were caught on video tape attempting to buy cocaine from Drug Enforcement Agents.
He was jailed for almost 11 months in the Pinellas County Jail. His first trial in September 2010 ended in a hung jury, forcing US Judge Tom Moody to order a retrial.
Buju's attorney David Markus, has stated in interviews that he plans to appeal the guilty verdict; which was handed down in Tampa's Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse. Post verdict discussion in the press seems to indicate that Buju's appeal will also see an unsympathetic court; If filed later this year by Bantons' Attorneys.
Behind closed doors, many in the Reggae entertainment community are saying that he should save his money; for his family to live on while he is incarcerated. no doubt times will be tough for the Myrie family.
Behind closed doors, many in the Reggae entertainment community are saying that he should save his money; for his family to live on while he is incarcerated. no doubt times will be tough for the Myrie family.
We send our thoughts and hopes for resolution to Buju, his family and fans. be sure to check out our tribute Mixtape to Buju which will be dropping 02/24/2011 - here and on BadGalsRadio.com
To coin a phrase from Bujus' catalog no doubt this has not been an easy road.
Twitter Tags: #badgalsradio #buju-guilty #grammys #reggae #cocaine
1 comment:
Hey lady.
Just wondering how you've been doing.
Hope your having a great month.
Take care :)
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