Stephen Marley Bails Buju Banton Out Of Prison After Mistrial Declared

In a show of solidarity, Stephen Marley posts bail for Buju Banton who awaits a second trial on cocaine trafficking charges.

Reggae star Buju Banton was freed from a Florida prison Wednesday, after Stephen Marley used his South Florida home to post bond and bail the embattled Dancehall artist. Banton was required to sign an extradition waiver, wear an electronic monitoring device and hire a private security team to ensure he does not flee the United States.

Banton, whose government name is Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in federal custody since December of 2009 after being arrested on attempted drug trafficking charges. DEA spokesman David Melenkevitz said Banton was arrested on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

In September, a jury was unable to come to a verdict, and Judge James Moody declared a mistrial. Banton maintains he spoke to an undercover officer about cocaine only to impress him, as the man claimed to have music industry connections. Banton’s attorney, David Markus, told the Associated Press he was thrilled Banton could regroup at his Florida home before his retrial, which is scheduled for February.