Lawyers: government entrapped reggae star

(AP) — The attorney for Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton says the government entrapped his client in a drug deal.

In court documents filed Tuesday, David Markus says the government used a paid informant to convince his client to buy cocaine. The defense is pushing to have the informant's identity revealed.

To prove entrapment, Markus will have to show that Banton was not predisposed to engage in criminal behavior and that the government induced him.

Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home on Dec. 10. The 36-year-old singer, born Mark Myrie, pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in Tampa federal court. He's being held without bail at Pinellas County Jail.

Banton's trial is expected to begin in March. His latest album, "Rasta Got Soul," has been nominated for a Grammy.

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Information from: St. Petersburg Times, http://tampabay.com

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The attorney for Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton says the government entrapped his client in a drug deal.

In court documents filed Tuesday, David Markus says the government used a paid informant to persuade his client to buy cocaine. The defense is pushing to have the informant's identity revealed.

To prove entrapment, Markus will have to show that Banton was not predisposed to engage in criminal behavior and that the government induced him.

Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home on Dec. 10. The 36-year-old singer, born Mark Myrie, pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in Tampa federal court. He's being held without bail at Pinellas County Jail.

Banton's trial is expected to begin in March. His latest album, "Rasta Got Soul," has been nominated for a Grammy.

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Information from: St. Petersburg Times, http://tampabay.com