Pras Michel has begun serving his 14-year prison sentence while continuing to challenge the conviction that sent him behind bars.
The Fugees rapper, 53, surrendered Thursday, April 30, at the Federal Correctional Institution in Safford, Ariz., after multiple delays in his reporting date. Michel was convicted in 2023 on several charges, including conspiracy, witness tampering, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign power.
“Today is a painful day for Pras, for his family, and for everyone who believes in a fair system of justice,” spokesperson Erica Dumas said in a statement. She added, “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.”
Federal prosecutors first charged Michel in 2019, alleging he participated in a scheme tied to Malaysian businessman Jho Low that involved funneling money into Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Prosecutors said Low transferred more than $21 million to accounts connected to Michel, who later directed hundreds of thousands of dollars to campaign donors.
Dumas said Michel plans to continue fighting the case while incarcerated. “This chapter is difficult but it is not his final one,” she said.
Before reporting to prison, Michel spent time with family and attended Kanye West’s April 3 concert in Los Angeles, where Lauryn Hill, Dave Chappelle, and Erykah Badu were also present.
