"In April 2023, a federal jury convicted Michel of 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. Justice Department prosecutors said federal sentencing guidelines recommended a life sentence for Michel, whom they said "betrayed his country for money" and "lied unapologetically and unrelentingly to carry out his schemes." "His sentence should reflect the breadth and depth of his crimes, his indifference to the risks to his country, and the magnitude of his greed," they wrote."
"Defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg said his client's 14-year sentence is "completely disproportionate to the offense." Michel will appeal his conviction and sentence, according to his lawyer. Zeidenberg had recommended a three-year prison sentence. A life sentence would be an "absurdly high" punishment for Michel given that it is typically reserved for deadly terrorists and drug cartel leaders, Michel's attorneys said in a court filing."
Pras Michel, 53, received a 14-year prison sentence after conviction for illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. A federal jury in April 2023 convicted Michel on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The Washington, D.C., trial featured testimony from Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Justice Department prosecutors sought a life sentence under federal guidelines and criticized Michel's actions and motives. Defense attorneys called the sentence disproportionate, recommended three years, and said Michel will appeal. Michel co-founded the Fugees.
#illegal-foreign-campaign-contributions #conviction-and-sentencing #unregistered-foreign-agent #pras-michel--fugees
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