Reggae star Buju Banton is entering the new year with a new drug trial hanging over his head. U.S. District Judge James Moody originally scheduled Banton`s trial for December, but yesterday granted a defense motion to postpone the trial until February 2011. Can you say VACAY???. Clearly, the judge and the lawyers will be enjoying their holidays as Buju continues to spend more time in confinement.
A specific date has not been set. Banton is still in jail as prosecutors fight release on bail. Although bail has been granted (Stephen Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley put up his house for bail). there are still immigration issues to be addressed. Buju has been in jail without bail since last December.
Judge Moody declared a mistrial last month after jurors could not reach a decision. Banton was born Mark Myrie, was arrested last December on charges of conspiracy to buy five kilos of cocaine in Sarasota, Florida. Prosecutors claim that he is guilty of trying to buy contraband however Banton `s attorney maintains the reggae singer’s innocence and argues that Buju is the victim of entrapment.
