Buju out - J’can reggae artiste gets bail in immigration court

Lawyer says Buju thankful to fans for support

BY PAUL HENRY CRIME/COURT CO-ORDINATOR henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

JAMAICAN reggae artiste Buju Banton, after close to a year in a United States jail, yesterday walked out of the Pinellas County lock-up in Florida after he was granted bail in an immigration court.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was offered bail with tough conditions following a hung jury in his gun and drugs trial.

David Oscar Markus — the entertainer's lead attorney — said Banton, was "tired" but "relieved" that he had been released to spend time with his family before the commencement of his second trial next February.

"Free at last," Markus told the Observer of his client's release. "We're thrilled that Buju will have some time to regroup before we try this case again." Banton, he said, was thankful to everyone for their support.

Attorney Marc Seitles, another member of Banton's legal team, said the artiste was overjoyed that he had gained some "measure of freedom".

"Buju can't wait to have a nice meal and sleep in his own bed," Seitle told the Observer yesterday.

Banton has been in jail since last year December when he was arrested by federal agents for conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine.

He was also charged with possession of a weapon. His arrest on December 8 followed that of his friends Ian Thomas and James Mack. Both men have since pleaded guilty and will be sentenced this month.

Banton was placed on trial in September but following a week on evidence a 12-member jury could not reach a unanimous decision about his innocence or guilt after three days of deliberation.

He was granted bail in the sum of US$300,000 in the federal court last month but an appeal of an aspect of his bail condition set by US magistrate Anthony Porcelli by the prosecution held up his release, along with his visa issue that resulted in him having to apply for bail in the immigration court to prevent his further detention.

Banton's entertainment visa was revoked following his arrest.

As part of his bail condition, Banton will have to wear a tracking device and will be under 24-hour surveillance from a security company. He has also signed an extradition waiver and will not be allowed to leave the Middle District of Southern District of Florida until his trial begins.

He will only be allowed to visit a doctor and his lawyer. He must also submit himself to urine tests to prove that he is not using banned substances.

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COMMENTS (19)

Dan Woods
11/16/2010

Did Buju not waive his bail hearing rights himself on December 16th? Because he was afraid that if released he would be held by US immigration officials? Now it turns out that those immigration laws can be bent. Buju could have attempted the same thing he has now within a week of his arrest. Chances would have been slim but he did not even make an effort! Anyhow gongrats on all involved and Buju in particular. Stay out of trouble and away from herbs. Stephen Marley could loose his home!

Flip Flops
11/12/2010

wow! lively discussion! thank God Buju has been freed. money still talks and bullsh#t still walks in america. the case is falling apart at the seams and everyone with common sense can see that. the judge is correct to 'favor' Mr. Banton because this is nothing more than hanging out with people who clearly had bad mind agendas.
and stop all the disrespect peter claude! i've been bragging how lovely the Jamaican people are.

Audrey Clarke
11/12/2010

Very good: But dont get carried away, These sucker will come after you like white on rye, And they will come like a theif in the knight.
so be very alert, Dont even smoke a cigar,
Peace out my brorher

11/11/2010

Eternal condemnation on these men lovers and their system that are trying to conquer jah jah children with their mental and physical shackles.

howie J
11/11/2010

Mac lee, even the Judge can see the injustice being metered out to Buju and yet you can’t. Why do you think the Judge don’t know what he is doing? What preferential treatment are you talking about?

Peter Claude
11/11/2010

@Jerry Berman. I see you are just talking to talk too. Buju's attorney made a request for bail so he could be with his family not to have the trial postponed. So clearly you are the Imbecile. But I doubt you know what that means. just so you have it here is the link in the observer because I doubt you know what google is. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/New-trial-in-December-for-Buju

PL BOGLE
11/11/2010

Deliverance has come to the dread some people are overjoyed while some marvel with dismay but the struggle continues until Babylon release the electronic chain from the dreads feet. My good friend Elli who reside in the depths of Babylon. . .lets hope that the dread has learned from his experience & will not again counsel w/ the ungodly.

Jerry Berman
11/11/2010

@Peter Claude, the statement made by Buju's own attorney, stated that they requested that the trial be postpone so that the entertainer could spend time with his family (reported by the Observer...Google it!). Clearly, you are not the one with the facts and hence, should shut your mouth...imbecile!!

Anthony II
11/11/2010

Lee Mac, I just hope that you know that you have people around who support you in taking any view that you want to take, given that this a place that permits that. I am concerned about those who as "Peter Claude" who seems to think that suggesting that you are "part of the rainbow Co." Yes, Mr. Claude, people of the "rainbow Co. have a voice and they can use it. So what?

Okon Johnson
11/11/2010

ah surprise fi badmind people dem coz dem neva think dis way ... Buju freedom is a mus!

Peter Claude
11/11/2010

@Lee Mac. please shut up because you have clearly not been following this. The retrial was not put off for buju to spend time with his familiy you idiot!. If it was up to buju the retrial would already be over as it was to start earlier this month. what specail treatment did buju get? he has been in jail for a year now and was denied bail all that time. please get the facts next time before you say stupid things on here. You must be a part of the rainbow Co. Shut up please.

Sheryl Stevie
11/11/2010

Lee Mac I believe this is truly a miracle for Buju to be out on bail given the circumstances. So happy for Buju, must be a good feeling to be out of bondage (if we can say so).

Elli Deedo
11/11/2010

Freedom is very important, and I've learned from a very early age from my Mother and Father, that the consequences for disobeying laws and regulations can cost one's life, and not just going to prison. It's difficult for those adults who have breached regulations. I'am hoping he will get away; and very sure he will use this experience, as a lesson to stay away from suspected crime groups. Distant yourself from desperate characters. I can only wish you the best, and hope you overcome it:

Lee Mac
11/11/2010

To all you naysayers going on about Buju being given a raw deal, sit up and take note. This judge has literally bent over backwards to favor Buju, overruling the prosecution's requests at every turn. I've never heard of any US judge allowing a defendant, and a foreign defendant without any legal right to remain in the U.S. at that, to postpone trial so that he can "spend time with his family". I'd be amazed if other incarcerated defendants don't sue over the preferential treatment shown to Buju.

Chuck Emanuel
11/11/2010

The Rule of Law has prevailed !.

bunchie hamilton
11/11/2010

I can just imagine what freedom feels like even having to wear a bracelet and being locked down 24-hour. That he can live with as he hug and kiss his bed like a girl. Congrats to him and his legal team and all those who have been supporting him and hoping for his release. Buju will be freed as I pray for him everytime I have to pray for my two sons, ofcourse not in jail only 8 and 2 yrs old. Pray for him Jamaica.

kerryann minzie
11/11/2010

Im so overjoyed.. God has truly blessed us as jamaicans and individuals, we must be thankful for all things in life no matter how small.

Ras J
11/11/2010

Freedom is a must, Jah Bless.

Nicolas Henry
11/11/2010

Only time will tell the end of this one. Most likely a plea deal in the works. Fans hold unhu breath.

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Buju out - J’can reggae artiste gets bail in immigration court