Reggae star Buju Banton found guilty in cocaine case

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The 37-year-old Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was on trial on accusations that he conspired with two other men in setting up a drug deal in December of 2009...

TheGrio Staff

Feb 22, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A Florida jury has found Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton guilty on cocaine conspiracy charges.

Jurors returned their verdict on Tuesday after deliberating for 11 hours over two days.

The 37-year-old Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was on trial on accusations that he conspired with two other men in setting up a drug deal in December of 2009. His album “Before the Dawn” won a Grammy last week for best reggae album.

This is Banton’s second trial. A jury deadlocked in his first trial last year.