One of the founding members of the Fugees will be spending a lot of time behind bars. Pras Michél got a 14-year prison sentence on a series of illegal foreign lobbying charges. The sentence came down in a D.C. federal court on Thursday. In April 2023, the rapper was convicted on 10 criminal counts.
The list of things he was found guilty of includes tampering with former US President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election run. He also reportedly cozied up to Donald Trump’s administration in 2017.
Pras became a household name when he formed the Fugees with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean in the 1990s. Many consider the trio among the most influential hip-hop groups of that decade.
The Fugees member was convicted on conspiracy and illegal foreign lobbying charges
While 14 years will surely feel like a lifetime for Pras, it could have been much worse. US prosecutors were recommending that he get life in prison for his transgressions. The prosecution team said that the Fugees singer received over $100 million from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low. That money reportedly went into two efforts to influence US politics. They say that Pras betrayed his country for a stack of greenbacks. The singer’s reported net worth is an estimated $21 million.
Among those who testified in his case were Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As for Jho, the justice department cut a deal with him. He gave back $100 million, which he allegedly embezzled from Malaysia’s state-owned wealth fund.
Pras’ lawyer has said they intend to appeal the sentencing, which they deem as unfair. His co-defendants received significantly lighter sentences than he did. Elliott Broidy received a pardon, while George Higginbotham got three months’ probation. Nicki Lum Davis got a two year prison sentence.
Pras will reportedly turn himself in on January 27.
TELL US – IS THE SENTENCE AGAINST PRAS TOO HARSH?
