Low-Tech Foreign Funds Conspiracy: Grammy-Winner Pras Gets 14-Year Sentence

Michel, 52, did not make a statement in court. U.S. District Judge Colin Kollar-Kotelly handed down the sentence.

In April 2023, Michel was convicted in a federal trial in Washington, D.C., on ten counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent for a foreign government. During the trial, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified.

The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Michel “betrayed the country for money” and “implemented the conspiracy through repeated lies under oath.” According to federal sentencing guidelines, he could have faced life imprisonment.

Michel’s lawyer, Peter Jaydenberg, described the 14-year sentence as “completely disproportionate to the crime” and said they would appeal the conviction. The defense had recommended a three-year sentence.

Michel was born in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrant parents. The Fugees, including Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, have won two Grammy Awards and sold millions of albums.

Michel received over $120 million from Malaysian billionaire Low Tek Jho and used it through STR to fund Obama’s campaign. He also attempted to interfere with DOJ investigations, influenced witness testimony, and committed perjury during the trial. His lawyers claim the purpose was merely to obtain a photo with Obama, not for any policy-related intent.

In August 2024, a judge rejected Michel’s request for a new trial, noting that any AI-related errors by his attorney did not amount to a miscarriage of justice.

The case, Michel’s 14-year sentence, and the foreign money-laundering allegations have drawn widespread attention in Bollywood and U.S. media.