Pras Michel, a member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, is facing a potential prison sentence of 15 to 20 years following his conviction for conspiracy, illegal foreign lobbying, witness tampering, and campaign finance violations. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled in favor of prosecutors during a recent hearing regarding federal sentencing guidelines.
The defense had argued that Pras should receive a lighter sentence of five to six years, claiming he was merely a “political novice manipulated by foreign billionaires and self-serving intermediaries.” However, Judge Kollar-Kotelly countered, stating that Pras obstructed justice, laundered illicit funds, and acted as an unregistered foreign agent. She emphasized that the defense’s portrayal of the situation downplayed the severity of his offenses and his role in them.
In 2023, a jury convicted Pras on ten felony counts stemming from his alleged involvement in assisting Malaysian financier Jho Low in gaining political favor with former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
The latest legal developments come after Pras underwent emergency surgery for colon cancer, which postponed his sentencing proceedings. His spokeswoman, Erica Dumas, expressed hopes for his swift recovery during this challenging time.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Pras to pay back $64 million as part of the case. Dumas commented on the financial repercussions, stating, “They already took 100 [million] from him, and now they want another 64 [million].” Pras does not yet have an official prison sentence, with a hearing scheduled for next month to finalize the details.
As this high-profile case continues to unfold, the ramifications for Pras could have significant implications, both personally and professionally.
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