Clearwater Defense Lawyer : Celebrity Drug Case

By Nicholas Dorsten, esq.

A recent article in the St. Pete Times has some interesting tidbits about a controversial reggae star and his trial on Tampa drug charges.

TAMPA — Stephen Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, took the stand as a character witness for Buju Banton on Wednesday, calling the acclaimed singer "the voice of the people'' who never talked about drugs.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is on trial in federal court in Tampa on drug conspiracy charges. Both grew up in Jamaica and have collaborated on music. Marley said he has known Banton for 20 years.

The Tampa Bay area criminal defense attorney asked Marley whether he ever heard Banton discuss illegal drugs.

"No, no," Marley said. "Never."

Marley called Banton "the voice of Jamaica," noting that his music is ingrained in the nation's culture.

"That sums it up," he said. "What Banton means to us. He is the voice of the people."

Banton has earned four Grammy nominations since his debut album in 1992. He is considered one of reggae's elite stars, with his 1995 album Til Shiloe garnering a spot among Rolling Stone's "Essential Recordings of the '90s." In later years, the singer became involved in controversy when critics accused him of anti-gay lyrics. Critics have accused him of encouraging murder or violent crimes against homosexuals.

Prosecutors say they have video and audio of the musician discussing the ins and outs of drug smuggling with an informer and asking the informer to help him in other illegal endeavors.

Banton's trial started Monday after months of delays. The informer, Alexander Johnson, is expected to testify. Prosecutors said they also have video of Banton tasting cocaine during a drug deal.

The criminal defense lawyer said Banton plans to testify


Have you or a loved one been arrested for a drug charge, drug trafficking or violent crime? Then contact the Clearwater criminal defense attorneys of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. for a free consultation!

For more information, or to speak directly with experienced Clearwater criminal defense lawyers, >please contact BLAKE & DORSTEN, P.A. at 727.286.6141 or email the lawyers your questions at: info@blakedorstenlaw.com. We are located at 4707 140th Ave N, Suite 104 in Clearwater, across from the criminal courthouse in the airport business center, minutes from Tampa and St. Petersburg.