Sentencing date set for Buju Banton

Buju Banton

Convicted Jamaican-born, Buju Banton, is set to be sentenced this June after being found guilty on drug charges last month, News Americas has learnt.

Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie is set to be sentenced on Thursday, June 16 at 9:30 a.m. in a Tampa court by Judge James S. Moody Jr.

The 37-year-old Grammy-winning singer remains jailed following his conviction on February 22nd 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. One charge of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine was dropped.

Meanwhile, the prosecution wants the defense motion for a new trial and an acquittal to be denied, since they argue the claim is “without merit.”

Banton’s tenth studio album Before The Dawn received a Grammy Award for best reggae album on February 13.

Jamaican-born attorney, David Rowe, appearing on WWRL 1600’s ‘Caribbean Corner’ recently, argued that Banton should have taken a plea deal early on in his arrest since the current conviction could land him in jail on 30 years to life.

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43 Comments

  1. Country
    January 4, 2012

    Way Way Buju, if you where in Dominica all now you would be free-up. As they say don’t play with the USof A. Take the hint young people the crap you get away with in the Islands is serious sh…t in the USA After all they destroyed Marcus Garvey it’s not Buju they will let slide.

  2. Tony B.
    April 25, 2011

    He should serve time in jail, no ifs ands or buts about it. Had much respect for him until I found out how deep he is involved in the white drugs. Not a true rasta. I guess it’s a hard way for him to learn that you can go to prison “over hills and valleys too”…..

  3. black
    March 24, 2011

    big up buju drugs and guns have sell de man need money so what is 2b must b, no matter what you think. GOD alone that will judge us.

  4. Queen
    March 16, 2011

    The mo money you make the mo problems you get

  5. Independant not dependent
    March 13, 2011

    BUJU what you sow is what you reap. Do enjoy your stay in prison. I thought you were a real rasta but instead you’re nothing more than a plasta rasta.

  6. shatta boonita
    March 13, 2011

    Free de man….buju banton is de man. de law is de law but still we love de man.

  7. RUSSKIITOM
    March 13, 2011

    That simply shows the level of our illiteracy when our strongest defence of black CRIMINALS is that the “SYSTEM” out to get them simply because they are black… The guy is guilty, let him see the consequences of his actions..

    • TeteMorne I from...
      March 13, 2011

      Truer words have never been spoken. Regular John Doe can go to prison for the same offense, yet, Buju should walk free? Let him go spend some time behind bars.

      • RUSSKIITOM
        March 14, 2011

        Thats why we a re sometimes forced to wonder what has\is going wrong with the young people. we allow them to see us idolizing crime because the criminal has a name in society. wake up people. if anything, this guy, Buju, has so betrayed his fans who have looked up to him. If he so believed in equal rights and justice, then he will gladly accep this punishment as justice for the many lives he sought to destroy through the sale of these drugs.

  8. sister souljah
    March 12, 2011

    what the hell does boom bye bye have to do with the fact that the man was caught red handed attempting to purchase drugs. we all have the right to free will and to choose between right and wrong, he also had a choice to cop a deal or go to trial he choose to go to trial which could mean he will be buried in the jail he had choices and he made all the wrong ones. you people act like u know buju banton on a personal level he messed up and he has to pay for his actions, theres evidence that he went to purchase the drugs, what makes him better than rosco or kimani from down the road? MAN UP BUJU SAVE UR TIME AND UR FANS NEED TO RESPECT THE FACT THAT U SCREWED UP AND U HAVE TO PAY FOR UR ACTIONS.

    • sister souljah
      March 12, 2011

      save=serve

      • hj
        March 13, 2011

        we are not in an english class or spelling class

        • hilarious
          April 4, 2011

          lol :lol: :lol: :

  9. shatta
    March 12, 2011

    FREE MY NIGGA BUJU

    • nash
      March 13, 2011

      do know what the term NIGGA means, look up the Definition, before using this word

  10. orange king
    March 12, 2011

    Buju jah will set u free u doh kill

  11. CaCa Chat La
    March 11, 2011

    Hypocritical Rasta
    Fried chicken & bakes Rasta
    talk about working hard but choosing the easy was out
    wicked fake Rasta man
    Go work like Rasta lawyers and Companies CEO, Doctors, preaching one thing but doing something else
    as MABELLA said
    BUJU YOU DO DE CRIME NOW DO YOUR TIME , YOU GUYS SHOULD KNOW BETTER THE LAW IS THE LAW WISE UP MAN AND BE BETTER ROLE MODELS FOR THE YOUTHS .

  12. CaCa Chat La
    March 11, 2011

    Well lets’ see who is gonna win this one Babylon or Silacy
    they preaching love and unity but yet calling on the dead like Hail Silacy
    they are preaching equal right for all Rasta Man yet they are destroying the the future work the youth of their own country with illegal drugs,violence and Immorality
    well that is what happen when you dig a hole for others with all the nonsense against the Babylon system

    where is the Buju Banton of the early 90, the one that was clean and inspirational
    well there is never smoke without fire
    you do the crime you do the time
    i hope you rot in jail
    Rasta my foot

  13. Muslim_Always
    March 11, 2011

    “Meanwhile, the prosecution wants the defense motion for a new trial and an acquittal to be denied, since they argue the claim is “without merit.”

    The prosecution wants a new trial because the man is brought up on charges without concrete evidence. The evidence is suspicious and doubtful. Buju I wish you success, America is still a racist state, it’s system is very stereotypical of black people up to this day.

    Buju, I hope you get out of this mess, I believe it is simple an attack on your career. Michael Jackson went through the same thing so that these filthy zionists can extort him. Be strong!

    If you were really trafficking this cocaine my boy then that’s really hypocritical. What is the motive for dealing with cocaine? It’s been years you have been singing.

    • Anonymous
      March 12, 2011

      The prosecution wants a new trial ?….you sure about that?. The man has been convicted by a jury of his peers. He is now a convicted felon. Why would the prosecutors want a new trial when they have proven their case (well except for one count) beyond a reasonable doubt … And the late MJ was never convicted. And. Why didn’t you think through your last statement prior to writing all the rest of crap that you did?……Come on,think man.

    • mouth of the south
      March 13, 2011

      mr muslim,,,, it is the defense who wants a ‘new’ trial by your observation,,,, it is the defense who says the claim has no merit,,,, the prosecution has proven its case n got what they wanted so they are saying NO to what the defense is putting up,,, i think u mis-understood the statement

    • Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
      March 13, 2011

      @ Muslim

      You call America racists? You surely placed your foot in your mouth. :twisted: I will not dispute about what occurred to blacks, excuse me – negroes – in those days. Many of them have gone on to be exemplary citizens with degrees and obtained lawful jobs and are living a comfortable lifestyle. Likewise, the majority of West Indians, if not all of them who migrated to the US. I know many of them who did likewise.
      It is time to cease calling America racist. Times are not the same as they were in previous years. A lot has changed in the US. Every one has an opportunity to go to school, study, to seek employment and to procure a job and enhance his/her lifestyle.
      Thanks to President Obama he is doing his utmost to ensure that specifically the unfortunate poor as blacks attend school, remain in school, study, obtain a certificate, diploma or degree and later a job so that they could elevate themselves and their lifestyle. His wife, Michelle is no exception. What more the US government can do for them? If they are ambitious people they will embrace this God-given, golden opportunity which will be to their benefit.
      America comprises of various nationalities from all over the world. As racist as you state it is there are many people who also wish to migrate there. There must be something good about America.
      This includes your Muslim counterparts who migrated from their countries to the US. They are bold enough to demonstrate against the government and call for the demise of certain government officials.
      I personally saw through CNN broadcasts all what they stated “on the streets” of New York against the government. Their faces were shown on TV. Some of them are not employed and are living on social welfare assistance at the expense of the US taxpayers. One would think that they would be ever grateful to the US, the US government and the US taxpayers for welcoming them and financially supporting them.
      America has been more than generous to them and some of them turned against America. For what, all because of the wickedness of their heart. Do not expect Americans to grin and bear it. Americans are not calling for their demise but they are doing so.
      As I write this it makes me angry too. I reside in Canada and I have not forgotten 9 -11 as seen on TV and what occurred that day. Every US person, Canadians, Europeans and others throughout the world were affected, one way or the other be it also emotionally.
      The US as Canada have been affected by those who plot terrorism not only in the US, but in Canada and the rest of the world. It has cost those world governments through taxpayers money to at least try and secure its country and borders. These people continue to plot against the US and other democratic countries. It has also cost the airlines an exorbitant sum of money in many respects. Think of this. You cannot deny that.
      Some of your Muslim counterparts are murdering Christians in their countries. The majority of them who were murdered are Catholic Christians. What is wrong with those people who cannot live at peace with others and will not allow them to live in peace? I have read information about Muslim persecution of Catholics of all in ancient years.
      Yet, when your Muslim counterparts migrate to the US, Canada and Europe they expect excellent treatment and they have received it. They, too will call Canada and Europe racists. Think and beyond, who are really the true racists?
      Many US, Canadians and Europeans are upset that when they are travelling they have to go through a humiliating process at the airport of being screened all because of some of your Muslim counterparts and the fear of terrorism, who have brought this upon us.
      I am having my Canadian passport renewed. Prior to 9-11 and other terrorists actions which ensued, we were able to take a passport picture “smiling”. Today a smiling face on the passport picture is not accepted. We have to be as serious as ever. Those pictures look horrible. They look like when criminals/murderers are arrested and their pictures are a mug shot.
      For women, we could wear our chains around our necks, visibly over our blouses. We could also wear earrings. For men, they could also wear a chain around their necks. Today, prior to taking the passport picture, if we are wearing those jewelleries, we are told to take them off. This is mandatory. Those who are aware of it will not wear them when they are going to take a passport picture.
      Recently I went to have my picture taken. Knowing this I told the photographer, “I came for my mug shot” and laughed. This is what those pictures look like. Actually they really do not look like the holders of the passports. This is what it has come to since 9-11 and thereafter and what we have to go through.
      We who have to go through this are seething mad about it and you know against whom and what we are put through worldwide all because of terrorists actions. This also has caused a long line up and waiting times to go to the airline counter. If we are taking an airplane, we have to get up very early and be at the airport two hours or more. It can be too much for us. Airlines have also lost money because of this. Some people will not fly via airplanes.
      I am angry with you too for making a statement that the US is racist. I expect that you will make the identical statement against Canada and Europe.
      Well, you Muslim, let me inform you those who continue to regard the US as racist, they should leave the country and any other country that they call racist and return to their countries. This is the cry.
      The US, Canada and Europe have been extremely accommodating towards your Muslim counterparts to the point of taxpayers money being utilized for food and shelter for their well-being. My tax money has been used for those who reside in the city/province/country where I reside.
      Talk about ungratefulness to their host country which welcomed them. Prior to calling the US racist or any country for that matter, consider what the US has done for your Muslim counterparts who have made use of every opportunity the government offers them and there is more…
      Pertaining to the Jamaican man who was arrested and charged with possession of drugs, a man of his caliber, a successful singer who must be a millionaire, he should have known better and that if he were caught he would pay a price and lose his freedom for imprisonment if and when he is convicted. Do not support criminals. Be fair and stand up for the truth!
      I reside in Canada and I have never taken illegal drugs. You know, I have not seen drugs except on TV when people are arrested for illegal drugs. I have not missed a thing. Freedom in Our Lord Jesus Christ. I do not know anyone or associate with anyone who is involved in illegal drugs. If I met anyone of them, I would run a mile a minute for bad company corrupts and will lead to no good. May God protect me from such.
      People must learn that it is against the Law to possess drugs, to deal with and sell them. This is the Law. The government is not wrong and in this case.

  14. CHAVEZ JR.
    March 11, 2011

    All them fellars there responsible for the degredation of society, pay for that, am not better than u in the eye of Jah, but u did great damage to ur brothers and sisters. Go in and meditate.

  15. TAINTED
    March 11, 2011

    Boom bye bye really got buju where he is…we all know batty-man rule in high places and they have been trying long to get this man to jail to get a piece of that Jamaican A**. It aint gonna happen fags!!!!!!! No Jamaican Buju A** for you all. They boycotted him at several shows tried every shit. He still aint apologizing for making that song…Life can be a b**t**. when batty man can’t get what they want. God created man for woman and woman for man. As one man said if we had an island with two men, one with two women and another with a man and a woman which one would grow in population? There’s nothing more to figure out what God’s intent was. One love. I try not to discriminate but facts are facts.

    • Homeboy
      March 12, 2011

      Great analogy. That song did it for Buju. But Brother hold your head high!! Those abominable people will never see their way… That arm of Govt… When they out to get you they will!!!!

  16. TeteMorne I from...
    March 11, 2011

    Somebody please give Buju a pack of Visine -A eye drops for use in jail. :mrgreen:

    • Anonymous
      March 13, 2011

      Visine comes in bottles. just saying 8)

  17. qwerty
    March 11, 2011

    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……
    AA i thiught Buju was contright.
    practice What u preach.

    • stupes
      March 11, 2011

      THEY SET HIM UP THOSE WRONGSIDE MEN AND WOMEN

    • Homeboy
      March 11, 2011

      Shut up the man was set up. A federal agent was placed next to him deliberately on a trans Atlantic flight and he coerced the man!!

      • TARA
        March 12, 2011

        He was too damn greedy , just like th rest of you lazy goofs don,t want to work hard but like to smell sweet

    • TARA
      March 12, 2011

      tell them again, just think about all those peoples life affected by their greedy right her in Dominica

  18. Aaaaa
    March 11, 2011

    The law is the law..huh? Wait till you’re in the USA and you see how the law can be the law on you. Some of you don’t even see what was done here. Then how can you, all you do is be flies following shitty misinformation. Its amazing how he will get at least 15 years and in that same florida they let rapist and phedophiles out serving less than 5 years. Infact, recently because about 70 year old molester decided he would have a castration the state decide to let him go free, even though this man was convicted for molesting kids.

    I want to know how is it fair that Buju banton who didn’t profit from the drug deal and didn’t put any money in it will be going to jail for 30 plus years for drugs and molesters get out scott free. Then someone will come on here and say that drugs killing the youths…mmmm I beg to differ because people have choices to do drugs. Children are being raped all over the place and everyone is so concerned about drugs.. Please..smh

    • G's up
      March 11, 2011

      Do you know how many lives, families and communities cocaine destroys? Cocaine is the main motivation for gangsters and wanna be in making money to give them the ‘balla lifestyle.’ Think of all the murders they commit in their lust for that lifestyle, the 1000’s kids futures that are destroyed because they are lured into being drug mules or addicts, communities that are held hostage under these criminals…. personally i feel the death penalty is in order.

      • Aaaaa
        March 11, 2011

        I had a cousin on drugs. He took it willingly. If you can’t make good decisions then you’re the one with a life sentence. You all like to blame people for your bad ways. Most of the time these so called families make choices. Very few of the number of people in drugs are forced to do it. Setting rapist out to buggar people kids is what that ruin life and you know what many of these kids are the one who turn to drugs because society fail them! They don’t punish phedophiles appropriately. Drugs don’t walk into your house but rapist and the rest of those sickos do. So sit there and don’t look at the bigger picture. Sit there and say Buju deserve it. If you knew what they did to this guy and you still not appauled then your probably one of those uncle tom black person who think what these folks say is fact. Just because its FBI they always act according to the law.

        You lured how do you think these people get lured into stuff? You say it good for buju, but you still saying people get lured into drugs. But isn’t that the same thing which happen to buju. The man sit down on a plane across the atlantic, the FBI send someone on his flight, then bought a seat next to buju on the plane intentionally to start coercing him into activity and lured him into this shit. Infact, if you knew anything about the case this was the first time buju had ever met this person. According to the facts of the case buju ignored the man for months. But finally gave in because these people kept cancelling all his concerts and the guy who lured him into the drugs said he can help buju get ahead with his career in the USA. Buju didn’t no money or receive money from this. ALL they got the man doing is tasting coke. True wrong. But seriously is buju a danger to society? Black people like you probably cry when things happen only to your family. Other than that you scared. This is why the black population won’t progress because you all don’t call for justice. This wasn’t justice. This was wrong. Do you know the simple way to stop communities from being hostage is to legalize the drugs, make the government be in controll of its distribution. Sounds crazy but as one professor said its the only thing that will stop the violence in drug trade. Final thing is if you believe its okay for this guy to get 15 years when many rapists in the state of florida get 5 years or even probation or just castration and walk free then you’re even further gone than you need to be. I’m done talking peeps like you about things you don’t understand.

      • Mabella
        March 12, 2011

        THANK YOU G’S up

    • TD
      March 12, 2011

      I WANT NO PART OF SELLING OR PEDDLING DRUGSHARD WORK NEVER KILLED ANY ONE BUT PUSHING DRUGS KILLS, DOMINICANS ARE TOO IDIOTIC, BELIEVE IN TOO MUCH TV LIFE IS MORE THAN A STUPIDY GANGSTER MOVIE. BUJU COULDN,T GO TO JAIL IF HE WAS INNOCENT.STOP TALKING CRAP. BUT AGAIN A WRONG IS A RIGHT IN DOMINICA

  19. curious
    March 11, 2011

    my prayers goes to you buju you are one of my favorite right now all you got to do is pray to jah for guidance and protectection. dont give up rasta its not an easy road. live it to the most high , his the ruler and the biggest judge there is .

  20. MABELLA
    March 11, 2011

    BUJU YOU DO DE CRIME NOW DO YOUR TIME , YOU GUYS SHOULD KNOW BETTER THE LAW IS THE LAW WISE UP MAN AND BE BETTER ROLE MODELS FOR THE YOUTHS . I JUST PRAY YOU NAH BOUNCE UP PAN ONE A DEM BATTY BOI IN SIDE .

    • WAY PAPA
      March 11, 2011

      you was there? because is a black man.

      • Anonymous
        March 11, 2011

        he know bout it if he say so

      • qwerty
        March 11, 2011

        you self was there to say he doh do it. chupes sot

        • stupes
          March 11, 2011

          YOU THAT SOT – HE WAS SET UP – DOH WORRY – YOUR TURN WILL COME

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