Despite a newly-introduced reform by United States law enforcement authorities that could have secured him an early release from behind bars, incarcerated Grammy-winning reggae singer, Mark Myrie, more popularly known as Buju Banton will likely serve out the remainder of his 10-year sentence on drug-related charges, according to reports.
Earlier this week, Black Entertainment Television (BET) reported that the U.S. Sentencing Commission recently tabled a reform as a way to ease the overcrowding on the American prison system, with Buju named among those who could have benefitted from the reform. Multiple reports indicated that the entertainer, who was convicted of three drug charges in 2011, could be released as early as this coming weekend.
However, sources close to the situation, including the Buju Banton Defence Support Committee say that Buju is not among the prisoners expected to be released in the coming weeks and that he will have to wait a bit longer to know his fate.
In May, Buju gave up all rights to an appeal in exchange for the permanent expulsion of a gun charge stemming from his original 2009 arrest. Though it was originally dropped during his conviction, U.S. authorities warned that should the singjay continue to appeal for a new trial, the gun charge would eventually be reintroduced.
As a result, Buju’s release date remains scheduled for February 1, 2019.
