After indicating on two occasions they were unable to reach a verdict in the cocaine trial of reggae superstar Buju Banton, Judge James Moody moved to declare a mistrial on Monday.
latimesblogs: Perhaps the drums beaten on Buju Banton’s behalf this weekend by Rastafarian elders at a two-night vigil in Jamaica had an effect: A mistrial was declared Monday for the reggae singer, who was arrested in December on suspicion of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine.
Jurors, who began deliberations Thursday in Tampa, Florida, told Judge Moody twice Monday that they could not come to a decision after the four-day trial. Banton is also charged with aiding two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution.
Banton’s new trial is set to commence in December. His attorney has requested that he be released on bail.
