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Fugees’ Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years for Illegal Campaign Funding Scheme
A federal judge sentenced grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel to 14 years in prison on Thursday, June 6, 2024, after finding him guilty of illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign funds to support former President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. The 52-year-old musician and founding member of the Fugees declined to address the court prior to sentencing by U.S. district Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.
Michel was convicted in April 2023 on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.The high-profile trial, held in Washington, D.C., featured testimony from actor leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, highlighting the far-reaching implications of the case.
Prosecutors argued that Michel “betrayed his country for money,” and “lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes.” They had recommended a life sentence, asserting that the severity of his crimes demanded the maximum penalty. “His sentence should reflect the breadth and depth of his crimes, his indifference to the risks to his country, and the magnitude of his greed,” a statement from the Justice Department read.
Though, Michel’s defense attorney, Peter zeidenberg, argued that the 14-year sentence was “entirely disproportionate to the offense.” Zeidenberg announced that Michel intends to appeal both his conviction and the imposed sentence. He had initially proposed a three-year prison term, contending that a life sentence was reserved for far more egregious offenses, such as those committed by “deadly terrorists and drug cartel leaders.”
In a court filing, Michel’s legal team further argued that the government’s position was excessively harsh, even evoking a comparison to the relentless pursuit of justice embodied by the fictional character Inspector Javert. They suggested the sentencing guidelines were susceptible to manipulation, leading to an unjust outcome.
Michel rose to fame as a founding member of the Fugees, alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The hip-hop group achieved critical and commercial success, winning two Grammy Awards and selling tens of millions of albums worldwide.
The illicit funds-totaling over US$120 million (NZ$214 million)-originated from Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low. Michel allegedly channeled this money through various intermediaries, known as “straw donors,” to contribute to obama’s campaign. He also reportedly attempted to obstruct a Justice Department inquiry into Low, tampered with witnesses, and committed perjury during the trial.
Low, who remains a fugitive and currently resides in China, has maintained his innocence. he was a key financier of the film The Wolf of Wall Street,starring DiCaprio. According to Michel’s attorneys, Low’s motivation for the donations wasn’t political influence, but rather the prospect to secure a photograph with then-President Obama.
In August 2024, judge Kollar-Kotelly rejected Michel’s request for a new trial. this request was partially based on the use of a generative AI program by his defense attorney
