TAMPA, Florida (Jamaica Observer) — Reggae star Buju Banton will have to wait until December to know his fate. United States Judge Tim Moody announced that a new trial will begin in December.
Banton’s attorney David Markus made an application for bail for his client and was told that the court would receive the application today.
Banton seemed relieved when the announcement of a new trial date was made.
The jurors told the judge that they have failed to come to a unanimous decision despite almost three days of deliberations in the drug case involving the Jamaican Reggae star. The foreman said the 12-member jury was split evenly.
When the jury foreman first approached the judge for further instructions earlier yesterday, he said, “Since Thursday we have been reviewing evidence, nobody has changed their minds from their original positions.“
Justice Moody then instructed the jurors to take their time in coming to a final decision. “Be as leisurely as the occasion may require.“
The judge gave further instructions that none of the jurors should surrender their conscience decision.
Banton’s attorney David Markus then filed a motion for a mistrial but Justice Moody rejected the motion.
Banton appeared in court in a white shirt and a cream coloured pants yesterday, his feet were shackled.
Banton was arrested at his Tamarac, Florida home on December 10 and charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine and possession of a weapon during the furtherance of a crime.
If convicted of the crime he is accused of, Banton, 37, could be sentenced to anywhere from 20 years to life in prison, along with a fine of up to US$4 million.
