In February, critically acclaimed Dancehall artist Buju Banton both won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album and was also found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Buju—born Mark Myrie—avoided a longer sentence after being videotaped by DEA agents during a 2009 drug transaction. After a hung jury resulted in a mistrial, a different jury found the singer guilty after deliberating for nearly 12 hours.
“Banton’s attorney, David Markus, has asked for the singer to be released from custody pending his appeal,” the Associated Press reports. “Markus also has filed a motion asking the court to acquit Banton or grant him a new trial.”
Buju Banton’s sentencing will be held on June 16. He faces up to 15 years in prison on combined drug and weapon possession charges.
