Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced too 14 Years in Prison for Illegal Campaign Contributions
WASHINGTON – Pras Michel, a founding member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group the Fugees, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on Tuesday for orchestrating an illegal campaign finance scheme linked to donations made to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. the sentencing follows a conviction in April on charges of conspiracy, making false statements, and violating campaign finance laws.
The case centers around more than $120 million Michel received from Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho low, a central figure in the 1MDB embezzlement scandal. Prosecutors argued Michel funneled the money through straw donors to influence political outcomes and secure access to high-level officials, including a desired photograph with then-President Obama. The scheme represents a significant breach of campaign finance regulations and highlights the potential for foreign interference in U.S. elections.
Michel maintained throughout the trial that he believed the payments from Low were legitimate gifts and that he was unaware of any illegality surrounding the donations. He testified he accepted the funds over nine months solely to facilitate a photo opportunity with obama,stating under oath that no one informed him the contributions could be unlawful.
However, the Justice Department also alleged Michel acted as an unregistered foreign agent for China in 2017, attempting to influence the Trump governance to drop its inquiry into Low and to prevent the extradition of Chinese dissident Miles Guo, who is currently in U.S. custody facing fraud charges.
low,who financed the film “The Wolf of Wall Street” starring Leonardo DiCaprio,remains a fugitive and has denied any wrongdoing. According to court filings, Low’s motivation for the payments was simply to obtain a photograph with Obama and Michel.
In August 2024, Michel’s request for a new trial was denied by the judge, who cited errors during the trial, including the use of a generative artificial intelligence program by Michel’s defense attorney during closing arguments, but persistent they did not constitute a serious miscarriage of justice.