BUJU BANTON ASKS FOR EARLY RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ Reggae star Buju Banton is asking to be released early from prison. The Tampa Tribune reports Banton is appealing his 2011 conviction for cocaine distribution conspiracy. He is applying under a recent change in U-S drug sentencing deadlines that reduces sentences for most drug offences and can be applied retroactively. He wants the court to reduce his 10-year sentence and release him to U-S immigration authorities so he can be deported to Jamaica. However, the change doesn’t apply to most minimum mandatory sentences, which is what Banton is serving. He is scheduled to be released in 2019.