The Umansky Law Firm

The day after winning a Grammy for best reggae album, Jamaican singer Butu Banton was in court facing serious drug charges. He is accused of conspiring to buy cocaine from an undercover agent in December 2009. This is the second trial for Banton regarding this matter. The first one ended in jury deadlock last September.

Banton and a friend allegedly met with an informant and an undercover officer in Sarasota, Florida to discuss buying cocaine. According to prosecutors, the meeting was videotaped. Later that month, Drug Enforcement Administration agents state Banton inspected and then tasted the cocaine. Banton's co-defendant then allegedly gave an undercover officer $135,000 worth of cocaine.

While Banton's co-defendant has pleaded guilty, Banton did not put down any money, or receive any money for the drugs. He was also not at the drug deal itself. However, prosecutors state he still played a major part in helping negotiate the deal.

Banton is charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and aiding two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution.

During his first trial, Banton testified that he talked with the government informant about cocaine, but he said he was only speaking to the man because he claimed to have music connections.

Banton's trial continues today. Prosecutors are expected to call the informant, a convicted cocaine smuggler who has earned millions of dollars helping U.S. law enforcement, to the witness stand.

If you are facing drug charges in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm today.