The trial involving Pras Michel began on Monday (March 27) in Washington D.C., more specifically its jury selection. Moreover, according to an NPR report, the Fugees member faces various charges such conspiracy, witness tampering, and failing to register as an agent of China. For those unaware, an investigation into potential embezzlement of millions to help Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign found Pras at the center around December of 2018. Since then, he faced other legal woes for failing to pay child support, but a broader federal case is now underway.
Furthermore, his legal troubles actually caused the cancellation of the Fugees’ reunion tour back in August of 2022. To elaborate on the charges, apparently the New Jersey native schemed to reimburse attendees of an Obama campaign fundraiser for $40,000 using foreign investment for ticket costs. In addition, authorities accused him of threatening those who would report such a plot to officials. Not only that, but he also allegedly helped Malaysian billionaire Jho Low through a secret lobbying campaign. This was to pressure U.S. justice and White House officials into dismissing the existing fraud scheme.
Pras Michel’s Trial For Conspiracy Begins Jury Selection Process
Also, the court accused him of aiding the Chinese government “secure the return” of a dissident residing in the States and developing close ties to Steve Bannon and the Trump administration. Since Low is reportedly living in China as a fugitive, the 50-year-old MC faces these charges alone. According to his legal team, Pras acted in good faith and in the interests of the U.S. when meeting with a Chinese minister in 2017. While federal authorities reportedly offered Pras a plea deal, he then rejected it and went on to plead not guilty to these crimes.
“Defendant continues to deny he was acting as an agent for China and denies he willfully and knowingly acted as a secret agent under the direction and control of China when he approached the FBI,” defense lawyers stated this month in court documents. Meanwhile, if convicted on all charges, Michel could land in prison for 22 years. For the latest updates on Pras and his legal case, check back in with HNHH.