Buju Baton Requests Sentence Reduction
Reggae artist Buju Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, is hoping the judge will be lenient and shorten his minimum 15-year sentence that he could be facing, when he heads to court later this month.
In February 2009, Baton was convicted of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal. Banton’s attorney, David Markis, filed documents on Thursday (June 9) asking that Buju’s sentence be reduced.
Markus says the sentence is “way more than necessary”, mentioning the artists limited participation in the crime, his work with charities, as well as his clean criminal record.
Markus hopes these factors will be enough to have the sentence reduced.
Banton has support statements from Stephen Marley, actor Danny Glover, and Atlanta Hawks center Etan Thomas.
Banton is also requesting an acquittal as well as new trial.
His sentencing hearing is June 23 in Tampa federal court.