Rachel Been, AOL
A Florida judge declared a mistrial last September, leaving the Grammy winner acquitted of the attempted possession with the intent to distribute charge he was facing, but guilty of three other charges.
All along the 37-year-old and his lawyers -- David Oscar Markus and David Seitles -- have claimed that he was set-up by law enforcement. According to paperwork released by his council, Banton was merely a pawn in an entrapment scheme set forth by the DEA.
"The facts and circumstances of the confidential sources' contacts with Mr. Myrie display a deliberate effort by a paid informant to ensnare a perfect stranger, who happened to be sitting next to him on an international flight, into committing a crime, thereby ensuring the informant more money," said his lawyers. "The confidential source is a paid government informant. In addition to refusing to disclose the identity, the government has refused to identify the prior cases in which he has been involved, the outcomes of those cases, the amount of money he has earned making cases for the government, or even the amount he has been paid (or expects to be paid) in this case."
Although his sentence is stiff, it could have been worse, as Banton was originally facing up to 20 years behind bars. While in prison he will be permitted to keep his dreadlocks and continue to practice his Rastafarian faith.
Watch Buju Banton's 'Untold Stories'
Follow @theboombox on Twitter | Like the BoomBox on Facebook
Download Buju Banton Songs | Buy Buju Banton Albums
Lady Red
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
LOOK: Bank Vault Saves 22 Lives During Tornado
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Toby Keith Returns to Help Family, Friends in Moore, Oklahoma
Brave Woman Stood Down Armed London Attackers
Blake Shelton Joins NBC in Organizing Oklahoma Tornado Benefit Concert
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
Miguel and Fan Are 'Okay' After Crazy Kick at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
Surgeon's Remove Giant Hairball From Tiger
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
U.S. Acknowledges Four American Citizens Killed In Drone Strikes
Mum-Of-Two Faces Down Woolwich Attack Suspects
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
Help For Heroes Killing
The World's Most Powerful Women
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
Who Won 'DWTS'?
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma
WATCH: Tornado Victim Finds Dog During CBS Interview
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
Tara Ellison: Why I Gave A Toast At My Ex-Husband's Wedding
Police END Search For Susan Powell
132 Comments