CaribWorldNews, TAMPA, FL, Thurs. Nov. 11, 2010: Jamaican-born reggae star Buju Banton is finally free on bail, almost a year after his famed arrest.
Banton, born Mark Anthony Mryie, was released from his Tampa jail cell Wednesday. He reportedly had to sign an extradition waiver inorder to be released.
Banton must now also adhere to the terms of this release - including wearing an electronic monitoring device and paying a private security team to ensure that he does not flee the country.
Stephen Marley, the son of late reggae legend, Bob Marley, used his South Florida home as collateral to help post bond for Banton.
Banton`s attorney said he was thrilled the singer could now be free to regroup at his Miami-area home before his retrial, scheduled for February next year.
Banton, 37, is charged with trying to buy 5 kilograms of cocaine. His first trial ended in a mistrial in September. Banton has maintained his innocence and has rejected a plea bargain deal, offered to him by prosecutors.
