The defense team for Jamaica reggae superstar Buju Banton has been dealt another blow days before Banton’s retrial.
Yesterday, the Middle District of Florida Court ruled that Buju would face two additional charges.
Buju was facing charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm during the course of a drug trafficking crime.
But, he will now also face the charges of attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and using a communication facility in the commission of an act constituting a felony.
Buju’s lawyers had objected to the additional charges which were brought by the prosecution.
The court also turned down a motion by Buju’s lawyers for his former co-defendant, James Mack, to testify at his new trial which is set to get underway on Monday.
At the first trial, Mack had invoked his Fifth Amendment rights and refused to testify.
The Fifth Amendment rights, among other things, allows persons not to give testimony in court where by virtue of that act it would criminally implicate them.
Last August, Mack gave a sworn statement in which he declared that he had never spoken to Buju whose correct name is Mark Myrie.
In that statement Mack also declared that the money and gun found in the car when he was arrested did not come from Buju.
That would be a boost for Buju in his retrial, but the court held that with Mack, who is yet to be sentenced after pleading guilty was not compelled to testify.
In the meantime, the court has modified Buju's bail conditions to allow him to travel to Tampa on Sunday for the trial.
However, the security detail will remain in place and will be responsible for Buju at all times except when he is the courthouse.
