U.S. District Judge James Moody ordered U.S. marshals to seize computers belonging to jury forewoman Terri Wright to determine if, indeed, independent research was conducted during the trial.
The judge also plans to hold a second hearing on the issue and subpoena the remaining jurors. The first hearing only saw three jurors testify including Terri Wright.
The jury in the Banton case – as is common in all jury trials – was told to refrain from conducting outside research and to judge the case solely on evidence introduced in the courtroom and the legal instructions given by the judge.
The seizure of a juror’s computer is a rarity according to a Pace Law School professor.
“That’s pretty far out,” said Bennett L. Gersham, a professor at Pace Law School in New York. “It reflects the gravity of the situation and the dangers at work here.”
If the judge concludes that Wright indeed violated judge’s orders against external research, she could be found in contempt of court and a mistrial could be the outcome. The fact that Terri Wright was the forewoman of the jury is also a compelling factor if the judge finds that she was in violation of court orders.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is serving a 10-year prison sentence for two drug offenses. The Grammy winner faces an additional five years on a related gun possession charge.
According to the Tampa Bay Observer, Buju’s attorneys are also considering plea negotiations and they will be pursuing “whatever is in Mr. Myrie’s best interest” which could include a guilty plea to a lesser charge that could mean Buju being released from prison on time served.
RCS Sidebar: I spoke with Buju’s attorney and they want everyone to know that Buju is in good spirits!
