Buju Banton still awaiting verdict in cocaine case

TAMPA, FLA. (AP) - Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton is still awaiting a verdict in his federal trial on cocaine conspiracy charges.

After deliberating for most of Friday, the jury in Tampa couldn’t reach a verdict. Courts are closed Monday for the President’s Day holiday, so jurors will reconvene Tuesday.

The 37-year-old Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was on trial for conspiring with two other men in setting up a drug deal in December of 2009. His album “Before the Dawn” won a Grammy last week for best reggae album.

This is Banton’s second trial. A jury deadlocked in his first trial last year. If convicted of all the charges, he faces up to life in prison.