Washington D.C. - Grammy-winning rapper Pras Michel has been handed a 14-year prison sentence for funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. The convicted Fugees member, 52, was found guilty on ten counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
Michel's decision not to address the court before the sentencing underscores his reluctance to speak out in his own defense. During the trial, testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions highlighted the severity of Michel's actions. Prosecutors described him as having "betrayed his country for money" and "lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes."
Michel's lawyers claimed that a 14-year sentence was disproportionate, stating it was an "absurdly high" punishment for someone who did not pose a deadly threat or engage in serious organized crime. The defense pointed out that the recommended life sentence was typically reserved for more serious offenders and suggested the guidelines were being manipulated.
The scandal centers around Michel's connections to Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low. Over nine months, Michel received over $120 million from Low and steered some of this money through straw donors to Obama's campaign. Michel maintained that he viewed these payments as "free money" in exchange for a photo opportunity with the then-President.
In addition to his conviction on campaign finance charges, Michel was also found guilty of serving as an unregistered foreign agent for China. He allegedly sought to sway the Trump administration to halt its probe into Low and to extradite Miles Guo, a dissident living in the US who was charged in a billion-dollar fraud case.
The judge ultimately rejected Michel's request for a new trial based on his defense attorney's use of artificial intelligence during closing arguments. The verdict underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities approach such cases, particularly when foreign governments are involved.
Michel's decision not to address the court before the sentencing underscores his reluctance to speak out in his own defense. During the trial, testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions highlighted the severity of Michel's actions. Prosecutors described him as having "betrayed his country for money" and "lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes."
Michel's lawyers claimed that a 14-year sentence was disproportionate, stating it was an "absurdly high" punishment for someone who did not pose a deadly threat or engage in serious organized crime. The defense pointed out that the recommended life sentence was typically reserved for more serious offenders and suggested the guidelines were being manipulated.
The scandal centers around Michel's connections to Malaysian billionaire Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low. Over nine months, Michel received over $120 million from Low and steered some of this money through straw donors to Obama's campaign. Michel maintained that he viewed these payments as "free money" in exchange for a photo opportunity with the then-President.
In addition to his conviction on campaign finance charges, Michel was also found guilty of serving as an unregistered foreign agent for China. He allegedly sought to sway the Trump administration to halt its probe into Low and to extradite Miles Guo, a dissident living in the US who was charged in a billion-dollar fraud case.
The judge ultimately rejected Michel's request for a new trial based on his defense attorney's use of artificial intelligence during closing arguments. The verdict underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities approach such cases, particularly when foreign governments are involved.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing... so Pras Michel gets 14 years for funneling cash to Obama's campaign? That's a pretty harsh sentence if you ask me 
. But at the same time, can't we just agree that it's shady business practices and not even about party politics anymore? I mean, what was the real issue here - Obama trying to get re-elected or Pras Michel just being a greedy dude with connections? And what's up with this whole Jho Low thing... sounds like some serious espionage drama 
. But you know how it is - politicians are always getting caught in these web of deceit and foreign governments are always looking for ways to manipulate the system 
. Maybe we should be having a discussion about campaign finance reform instead of just throwing someone in prison...
. It's also wild that he thought $120 million was "free money" just for a photo op lol 
. I get why his lawyers are saying the sentence is too long, but I think it's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to national security and foreign influence 
. Maybe they could've gotten off with community service or something? 
It's quite disconcerting to think that someone as influential in popular culture as Pras Michel would find himself entangled in a high-stakes campaign finance scandal. A 14-year prison sentence feels like an excessively harsh punishment considering the mitigating circumstances, but I suppose it's a reminder of the gravity with which such cases are taken by federal authorities 
. Anyway, I guess you have to follow the law and all that... 
i feel bad for him, but at the same time, you've gotta respect the law and not try to buy your way into power 
doesn't bode well for his case. and those numbers 
14 years is a pretty harsh sentence, but I guess Pras Michel thought he was above the law and didn't think his money would ever run out 
. And can we talk about how crazy Leonardo DiCaprio's testimony was? Like, I'm no fan of the guy, but c'mon dude, don't rat out your friend just because you want to be a good boy 
. It's all just a big mess and I'm not buying into Pras' "free money" excuse at all 
But for real though, it's crazy how far one person can stretch out their network for money 
. I guess you could say Pras Michel got a bit too comfortable with his fame and influence 
. And yeah, 120 million is like, whoa 
The whole thing with China & Jho Low too, gets really messy 
. Guess the authorities are not messing around when it comes to these types of cases 
