Pras Michel Reports To Prison To Serve 14-Year Sentence Over Illegal US Campaign Donations

Grammy winner Pras Michel has started a 14-year prison term after his conviction in a US political funding case.

Grammy-winning rapper Pras Michel has reported to a federal prison in Arizona to begin serving a 14-year sentence after he was convicted in a case linked to illegal foreign political donations in the United States.

Federal prison records show the 53-year-old musician reported to a low-security correctional facility. Prosecutors said Michel was convicted after a court found he helped move foreign money into the 2012 re-election campaign of former US President Barack Obama, and later tried to influence a separate federal investigation.

A spokesperson for Michel, Erica Dumas, said he had now started serving his sentence while his legal team continues to challenge the conviction. “Today is a painful day for Pras, for his family, and for everyone who believes in a fair system of justice. Pras honors the legal process as he reports to begin his sentence.” She added: “This chapter is difficult, but it is not his final one.”

Michel was convicted in 2023 on multiple charges, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. Prosecutors said he received more than $120 million from Malaysian businessman Jho Low and directed part of the money through other donors. Low has denied wrongdoing.

Before his legal troubles, Michel rose to fame as a founding member of Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The group won two Grammy Awards and sold millions of records worldwide.