Buju Banton sentenced to 10 years in jail

Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie was today sentenced to ten years in prison for conspiring to set up a cocaine deal. Buju was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense.

Pleas were made for leniency from family members, fans and supporters,former Jamaican government official, an NBA player, other reggae artists and actor Danny Glover, who called Banton a “role model, philanthropist and spiritual leader in the community.” However, the  federal  judge did throw out a gun charge, lowering Banton’s sentence from 15 years to 10. He was also ordered to serve five years of probation following his release from prison.

Banton’s attorney, David Markus, says federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of at least 15 years. In a court filing, Markus told Moody that is “way more than necessary” in Banton’s case.

Buju will serve his time at the penal facility in the state of Florida.