Florida judge declares mistrial in Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton’s drug case

Mistrial declared in Buju Banton’s Fla. drug case

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida judge has declared a mistrial for the Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, who was accused of conspiring to buy cocaine from an undercover police officer last year.

U.S. District Judge James Moody declared a mistrial after the 12-person jury sent him a second note on Monday saying they couldn’t reach a verdict. They had been deliberating since Thursday afternoon after a four-day trial.

Banton’s attorney has asked Moody to release Banton on bond. He has been held without bond since his December arrest in South Florida.

Banton had been charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and aiding two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution. He faced up to life in prison.