Fugees Rapper Receives 14-Year Sentence for Illegal Donations

Justice Department prosecutors accused Grammy-winning rapper Pras Michel of betraying his country for money.

Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a member of the Fugees, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally funnelling foreign contributions to Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign, having been convicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy. He obtained over $120 million from fugitive financier Jho Low, linked to the 1MDB scandal, and attempted to manipulate a sitting president. Prosecutors described Michel as having “betrayed his country for money,” while his defense argued the sentence was disproportionate. Michel plans to appeal the ruling, maintaining that Low’s intentions were not politically motivated.