Buju seeking acquittal or new trial

Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was found guilty last Tuesday of three of four charges. FLORIDA, United States,  – The attorney for reggae singer Buju Banton is seeking either acquittal or a new trial for his client.

In the motion filed in the US District Court, David Oscar Marcus made the request based what he argued was the absence of enough credible evidence to prove the prosecution’s allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, in last month’s trial.

Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was found guilty last Tuesday of three of four charges – conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; and using a communication facility to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence. The 12-member jury returned a not guilty verdict on a fourth charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence.

Markus said the court had to consider whether it was in the interest of justice to let the convictions stand.

"Mark Myrie respectfully submits that the interest of justice can only be achieved if the guilty verdicts obtained at trial are vacated and a judgment of acquittal entered or, alternatively, new trial ordered,” the motion stated.

Additionally, the motion read, “Defendant Mark Myrie respectfully renews his motion…for an order releasing him from custodial confinement during the pendency of his direct appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.”

The 37-year-old Grammy-winning artiste is facing a minimum of 15 years in prison.