Rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign
Summary
Rapper Pras Michel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally directing foreign donations to Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign. Michel, a member of the Fugees, was convicted of multiple charges related to this case. The trial featured notable witnesses, and Michel plans to appeal the conviction.Key Facts
- Pras Michel, a rapper from the Fugees, received a 14-year prison sentence.
- He was found guilty of illegally channeling foreign money to Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign.
- Michel was convicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
- Testimony during the trial included actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
- The Justice Department suggested a life sentence, but Michel's lawyer opposed this, citing the severity as excessive.
- Michel used funds from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low, who is also implicated but remains a fugitive.
- Michel's defense team argued that Low was motivated simply by a desire for a photo with then-President Obama.
- In 2024, a judge denied Michel's request for a new trial despite claims of trial errors, including the use of AI by his attorney.
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