Convicted Reggae Singer Wants Early Prison Release
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TAMPA (CBSMIami/AP) — A recent change in federal drug sentencing guidelines has prompted convicted Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton to ask for early release from his 10-year prison sentence.
The singer is appealing his 2011 conviction on a cocaine distribution conspiracy charge. He is scheduled for release in 2019.
Banton filed a motion asking to be released early under the change that reduces sentencing guidelines for most drug offenses and can be applied retroactively.
However, the change won't apply to most minimum mandatory sentences. Banton's 10-year sentence is the minimum mandatory sentence for his conviction stemming from a 2009 arrest following a sting operation.
Banton wants the court to reduce his sentence and release him to U.S. immigration authorities so that he can be deported to Jamaica.
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