Pras Michel, a founding member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group The Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, marking one of the most significant criminal penalties ever handed down to a prominent figure in the music industry for political corruption.
Michel was convicted on multiple charges tied to a sprawling international conspiracy that involved foreign lobbying, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. Prosecutors alleged that Michel accepted millions from Malaysian financier Jho Low as part of a scheme aimed at influencing U.S. government officials and political campaigns.
The case centered on accusations that Michel funneled foreign money into the 2012 U.S. presidential election and later attempted to intervene in federal investigations related to Jho Low, who remains a fugitive.
During the trial, Michel argued that he was unaware the funds he received were illegal and claimed he believed he was acting in good faith. However, the jury found overwhelming evidence that he knowingly participated in the scheme.
The sentencing officially closes a turbulent chapter for the once-celebrated artist who helped shape one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1990s. Meanwhile, Michel’s legal team has signaled plans to appeal the decision