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Pras Michel has turned himself in to the authorities to begin his 14-year prison sentence.
According to a report Rolling Stone published on Thursday, April 30, the Fugees member showed up at the Federal Correctional Institution in Safford, Arizona, to start his sentence. Michel was ordered to serve 14 years behind bars and forfeit $64 million late last year after he was convicted of conspiracy, lying to the Federal Election Commission, money laundering and more. Since the verdict was handed down in 2023, Michel had been on a crusade to appeal his conviction and sentencing. His attorney says he will continue the appeal process from prison.
“Today is a painful day for Pras, for his family, and for everyone who believes in a fair system of justice,” Michel's attorney Erica Dumas said in a statement. “Pras honors the legal process as he reports to begin his sentence. The FARA-related charges that led to his conviction are being vigorously contested on appeal, and his legal team believes the record will show that his rights were violated and the truth was obscured. This chapter is difficult but it is not his final one.”
Pras Michel was accused of attempting to connect Malaysian entrepreneur Jho Low and the Chinese government to both the Obama and Trump administrations. During his trial, prosecutors alleged that Michel participated in a plot to pour foreign funds into U.S. politics and influence government officials without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Michel was charged with 10 counts of conspiracy, failing to register as an agent of China, and witness tampering.
Before he reported to prison, Michel spent time with his family and enjoyed a night out with fellow Fugee, Lauryn Hill, when she performed at Ye's concert at SoFi Stadium last month. The two hung out in a suite with other celebrities like Dave Chappelle and Erykah Badu. Although he won't be outside for a long time, Michel's attorney assured that he will continue to fight for his exoneration "on the inside."