New U.S Reform Could See Buju Banton Getting Early Release From Prison

Reggae artiste Buju Banton could be released from prison as early as this weekend due to an effort to ease overcrowding in penal institutions across the United States.

According to a news report from BET, the Grammy-winning reggae singer could be among 6,000 prisoners to be released during November as part of a reform from the US Sentencing Commission.

In its report, BET directly named the entertainer as one of the many prisoners who could be released.

Banton's release date is set for February 2019, but if his name makes the list of 6,000 he could be released sometime in November after only serving half of his sentence.

According to the report, inmates became eligible for release on Sunday, November 1. Around 16,000 inmates are expected to be freed within the first year, and 45,000 over the next several years.

The reggae singer, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was convicted in 2011 on three counts of drug trafficking charges. He was given the minimum 10 years sentencing, and is currently serving that time in a Georgia prison.

Since his conviction, the singer has maintained his innocence. Back in January, Banton's request to present arguments regarding his efforts to obtain a new trial was denied, after the court said it did not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

Last month, a juror in his trial was found in contempt of court after it was revealed that she researched information regarding the case outside of the court.