By MITCH STACY, Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton was convicted Tuesday of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal in 2009.
A federal jury returned their verdict after deliberating for 11 hours over two days on the fate of Banton, who won a Grammy last week for best reggae album for his work entitled "Before the Dawn." He was found guilty of three of the four charges he faced.
The 37-year-old Banton remains wildly popular in his native Jamaica, and his trial was packed with supporters that included other well known reggae artists.
The singer, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was on trial on accusations that he conspired with two other men in setting up a drug deal in December of 2009.
Prosecutors argued during trial that Banton portrayed himself as a broker of drug deals in several conversations with a confidential informant. Defense attorneys countered that he was simply a "big talker" trying to impress the informant, but that he wasn't involved in any drug deal.
Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. He was acquitted of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine
Much of the case hinged on meetings and phone calls that were video and audiotaped by the confidential informant, who was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration - and who made $50,000 in commission after the bust.
In one video, Banton could be seen tasting cocaine in a Sarasota warehouse on Dec. 8, 2009 - but he was not present during the actual drug deal on Dec. 10 that led two others to be arrested. Those two men later pleaded guilty.
This is Banton's second trial. A jury deadlocked in his first trial last year.
In Jamaica, some fans have theorized Banton was framed by the U.S. government or gay activists who have protested violent, homophobic lyrics from early in Banton's career as a brash dancehall singer. Shows in several U.S. cities were canceled on his 2009 tour because of the protests.
Banton jabbed at his detractors during his Jan. 16 performance in Miami, referencing one of his controversial songs and the messiah of his Rastafarian faith.
He said: "Why they want to see Buju Banton cry? Is it because I said 'Boom Bye Bye'? Is it because I say Selassie I? Is it because I'm black and not shy?"
All gays who see buju found guilty ......... u all will face the verdict from god almighty........u all set him up ...... but who god bless no man curse ...
Posted by: Yasmine | February 22, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Well as I said, God is a Just God and karma has a way of rewarding us of our evils. Persons who continue to say Buju's conviction was gay related are clearly being mischievous. There are many entertainers over the course of history who have been convicted and sentenced on drug offences, so to blame gays for his dilemma is wicked and unjust. Even if gays were involved, did they force him to proceed with dialogs about buying cocaine? Was he forced by gays to be on camera tasting the illegal substance? It is clearly nonsensical!
Buju smokes cannabis and takes cocaine these illegal activities by him are by no means gay-related. Jamaicans should do the right thing and distant themselves from this criminal. He might be a talented artist, but he is also now a confirmed criminal.
Posted by: Putt | February 22, 2011 at 04:34 PM
today for buju tomorrow for all u gays ......
Posted by: Yasmine | February 22, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Banton will rot in prison. I hope he has a terrible time.
He is homophobic scum.
Posted by: Bored of Bigots | February 23, 2011 at 07:28 AM