Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Grammy-Winning Rapper Michel Sentenced to 14 Years for Illegal Obama Campaign Donations
Rapper Pras Michel, a former member of the Fugees, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally giving money from a foreign billionaire to Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.
He was also found guilty of trying to influence a U.S. investigation.
Prosecutors wanted a life sentence, but his lawyers argued for a much shorter term.
Michel convicted of 10 counts including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent
Sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegal donations to Obama's 2012 reelection campaign
Prosecutors sought life sentence, defense argued for 3 years
Michel obtained money from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low, tried to influence DOJ investigation
Low, a fugitive, maintained innocence and sought a photo with Obama
- Who
- Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel, a rapper and former member of the Fugees
- What
- Illegal donations to Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign and attempting to influence a U.S. investigation
- When
- Sentenced on Thursday, April 2023
- Where
- U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
- Why
- To obtain a photograph with then-President Obama and to influence a U.S. investigation
Prosecution
Defense
Sentence Length
Prosecution
Life sentence recommended due to severity of crimes and lack of remorse
Defense
3-year sentence recommended due to lack of prior convictions and remorse
- Age at Sentencing
- 52
- Number of Convictions
- 10 counts
- Sentence Length
- 14 years
- Amount of Money Involved
- Over $120 million
- Source of Funds
- Malaysian billionaire Jho Low