Grammy Award-winning rapper Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to illegally funnel millions of dollars in foreign contributions to a U.S. presidential campaign.
The Charges and The Sentence
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered the sentence to the 52-year-old artist, who declined to address the court. This ruling follows Michel's conviction in April 2023, where a federal jury in Washington, D.C., found him guilty on 10 criminal counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
Justice Department prosecutors had argued for a life sentence, stating that Michel "betrayed his country for money" and lied relentlessly. In contrast, Michel's defense attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, called the 14-year sentence "completely disproportionate to the offense" and confirmed that his client will appeal both the conviction and the sentence.
A High-Profile Trial and International Scheme
The trial captivated public attention, featuring testimony from high-profile figures such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The case centered on Michel's dealings with fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low.
Prosecutors detailed how Michel obtained over $120 million from Low and used straw donors to steer a portion of those funds into former President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. Michel's attorneys contested the motive, claiming Low's primary goal was simply to get a photograph with the then-President, not to influence policy.
Beyond the campaign finance charges, Michel was found to have attempted to quash a Justice Department investigation into Low, tampered with witnesses, and committed perjury during his trial.
Aftermath and Unprecedented Defense Appeal
In a post-trial twist, Michel sought a new trial, arguing in part that his then-defense lawyer used a generative AI program during closing arguments. However, in August 2024, the judge rejected this request, ruling that the alleged errors did not constitute a serious miscarriage of justice.
Michel, whose parents immigrated from Haiti, rose to fame with The Fugees, a group he formed with childhood friends Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The band went on to win two Grammy Awards and sell tens of millions of albums, making this sentencing a dramatic fall from grace for the celebrated artist.
