The Caribbean Media Corporation is reporting that a United States federal judge has set a June 16 sentencing date for 37-year old reggae artiste, Mark Myrie popularly known as Buju Banton.

Last month, a 12-member federal jury found Buju guilty on three cocaine-related charges.

These included conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence, and using the telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.

However, he was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The Grammy winner, who could face up to 20 years in jail, has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

State against application for bail & new trial

Lead defence attorney David Markus has already filed a motion in the US District Court, Tampa Division, asking for the singer to be acquitted or be given a new trial and for him to be released on bail.

Mr. Markus said the defence moved for the entry of a judgement of acquittal or, in the alternative, that the court grant Buju a new trial based on the absence of substantial credible evidence to prove the prosecution's allegations at last month’s trial.

He also pointed to what he said were issues of insufficient evidence presented by the US government.

However, US prosecutors have raised opposition to the bail request.

In a document sent to Buju's legal team, Assistant US Attorney James Preston said he was opposed to granting the reggae singer bail pending his appeal and sentencing as the motion was without merit and should be denied.

Mr. Preston further argued that the type of charges for which Buju, was convicted carry a mandatory period of detention before sentencing ... unless there was a likelihood that the application for a new trial will be successful.

He does not believe this will happen and therefore argued that bail should not be granted.

Mr. Preston also indicated that his office intends to reply to the motion for Buju's new trial.