Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has been handed a 14-year federal prison sentence after being found guilty of funneling foreign money into former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
Michel was previously convicted on a series of charges, including conspiracy, witness tampering, and acting on behalf of a foreign financier without registering as a lobbyist. Prosecutors argued that Michel secretly directed millions of dollars from Malaysian businessman Jho Low into the U.S. political system by using individuals as “straw donors” to disguise the true source of the funds.
According to the Justice Department, Michel not only helped channel the money into political circles but later attempted to obstruct federal investigations into Jho Low’s alleged financial crimes. Court records also show that Michel played a role in efforts aimed at influencing U.S. officials on Low’s behalf, actions that prosecutors said were carried out covertly and illegally.
Despite guidelines suggesting a much harsher punishment, the federal judge opted for a 14-year term—still one of the most severe sentences handed down in a campaign-finance-related case. Michel’s lawyers criticized the decision, arguing that the punishment far exceeded what was necessary and announcing plans to appeal the verdict.
Michel, once known globally for hits with The Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, now faces a lengthy imprisonment after a legal battle that has stretched over several years.
