BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER being found guilty on three counts of drug charges on Tuesday (Feb. 22), the lawyer of Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton said he would file an appeal against the conviction.
According to Caribbean360, David Markus told reporters that he would also try to get his client bailed pending a hearing.
The media outlet also indicated that while Buju’s attorney and other supporters were very emotional,the signer was the only one who seemed calm about the entire ordeal.
Buju, who was on bail, had it revoked on Tuesday and was taken into police custody pending his sentencing.
A Miami lawyer said Buju’s appeal is likely to fail because of the evidence gathered against him. The lawyer said he had advised Buju on a previous occasion to take a plea deal after his initial arrest.
The 37-year-old, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was found guilty for a December 2009 incident of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, attempting to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine, and also for aiding and abetting others in using a communication facility in the commission of a felony.
The incident took place in Miami, Florida where it was said that Buju and two associates intended to buy the cocaine from an undercover agent.
A number of fans and fellow musicians have been heard voicing their opinions on the reggae singer’s verdict on various websites, radio stations and via BlackBerry messenger service.
It was said that after his trial, Buju blew a kiss at crying supporters in the courtroom before being taken away. The ‘Destiny’ singer could face a possible 15-year stint in prison.
