Judge Rejects Buju Banton’s Plea for New Trial

Reggae singer Buju Banton’s request for a new trial was denied by a Tampa, Fla. judge, the Associated Press reports.

According to Federal Judge James Moody, there was no need for Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, to have one because of previous appeals court ruling.

In 2011, the Grammy-winning Jamaican singer was convicted of brokering a cocaine deal with an undercover drug informant just one week after receiving a Grammy for his album Before the Dawn. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Back in June, the Atlanta federal appeals court upheld his conviction on trafficking charges and cocaine conspiracy. He also received five more years in prison for his gun possession conviction that the Tampa courts had initially dismissed.

In July, Buju’s lawyer filed a motion requesting a new trial. That request was denied this Tuesday and he must continue to serve is now 15-year sentence.