Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison Over Illegal Foreign Campaign Scheme

FILE – Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a member of the 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees, accompanied by defense lawyer David Kenner, right, arrives at federal court April 3, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Pras Michel — one-third of the legendary Fugees — has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after being convicted for funneling illegal foreign money into former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.

According to NPR, Michel steered millions into the campaign using overseas funds tied to Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low. A federal jury convicted the rapper in April 2023 on 10 criminal counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.

Judge Says Michel “Betrayed His Country for Money”

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly handed down the lengthy sentence after prosecutors argued that Michel not only orchestrated a massive illegal influence scheme, but then doubled down with lies and witness tampering.

“After Michel was caught, he tampered with witnesses and then perjured himself at trial,” the Justice Department wrote. “His sentence should reflect the breadth of his crimes, his indifference to risks to his country, and the magnitude of his greed.”

Prosecutors said Michel funneled the foreign money through straw donors, then tried to derail the Justice Department’s investigation into Jho Low — a fugitive who also financed The Wolf of Wall Street. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio even testified in the case, confirming his connections to Low.

Defense Calls Sentence “Absurd” and Plans to Appeal

Michel’s attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, blasted the 14-year sentence as “completely disproportionate,” saying he recommended no more than three years. In court filings, he argued that federal sentencing guidelines were “manipulated to produce absurd results.”

Michel’s spokesperson, Erica Dumas, said he remains “deeply grateful for the unwavering support” from those standing by him.

$120 Million, Political Access, and a Photo With Obama

Court documents reveal Michel received more than $120 million from Jho Low. His lawyers claim Low’s goal wasn’t political influence — but simply to score a photograph with then-President Obama.

Michel’s conviction marks one of the most significant campaign finance cases in recent history. His legal team plans to appeal both the verdict and the sentence as he prepares to begin his lengthy prison term.