According to a report made by the Tampa Tribune, Banton pleaded not guilty in court yesterday, to federal charges that he conspired to buy cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Miami.
The report said that US Magistrate Anthony Porcelli ordered the singer held without bail after defence attorney David Oscar Markus said he would not oppose the government's request that Banton be detained.
Markus later explained that there was no sense in seeking bail when immigration authorities have placed a detainer on Banton, who is in the United States on an entertainer visa. Markus said he will fight to have the detainer lifted and then seek bail on the criminal charges. He told reporters his client will fight the charges and will not enter into any plea deal with prosecutors.
"We will be going to trial," Markus was quoted as saying. He also added, "He did not commit the crimes he's charged with. He was not in any conspiracy."
Markus also decried the immigration detainer, saying, "There should be a presumption of innocence. Instead there is a presumption of guilt in immigration." He said there is 'no question' his client would be allowed to post bail if not for the detainer.
The criminal case is set for a status conference in February and tentatively set for a March trial. Although cases often don't go to trial so quickly, Markus said he would push for the case to proceed swiftly.
Late last year it was announced that Banton was nominated for a Grammy in the 'Best Reggae Album' category, for his recently released Rasta Got Soul album.
Banton was arrested on December 8, after law-enforcement agents received information from an inside source alleging that the deejay and other persons were in Sarasotta seeking to purchase several kilograms of cocaine. It is further alleged that the singer agreed to meet with the unnamed inside source to conduct the deal and the incident was recorded. Reports continued that on December 10, Banton's co-defendants, Ian Thomas and James Mark, were arrested after they travelled to a facility where they allegedly presented a large quantity of money and were given a bag containing seven kilograms of cocaine. If convicted, Banton faces 20 years' imprisonment.
"There should be a presumption of innocence. Instead there is a presumption of guilt in immigration." He said there is 'no question' his client would be allowed to post bail if not for the detainer.
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