TAMPA – Reggae star Buju Banton was ordered to serve 10 years and one month in federal prison for conviction of cocaine trafficking.
Banton did not speak at his sentencing hearing. He blew a kiss to his supporters in the courtroom as he was being led away.
U.S. District Judge James Moody granted a defense motion to dismiss a firearm charge because the singer did not have a gun during the crime, and the judge said Banton could not have known another conspirator had the weapon, otherwise Banton would have received a minimum of 15 years.
Buju released a statement, read by his attorney, David Oscar Markus, thanking his fans for their support and pledging to move forward: “The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and am hopeful. And that is sufficient to carry me through.”
Markus told a crowd of supporters that, “with time already served, Banton has remained incarcerated since his conviction, and credit for good behavior he should be released in about six years.
“This fight is not over,” the lawyer said. “Mark Myrie is my brother, and I will keep fighting until they tell me to stop.”
He said Banton “got the lowest possible sentence today that the judge could give. I believe that speaks to Mr. Myrie’s character.”
The singer’s career will continue, Markus said. “We’re looking forward to him winning more Grammies. He’ll have a life again.”
