The rap star has been accused of violating federal campaign finance law by funneling millions of dollars worth of foreign money allegedly to Barack Obama back in 2012.
- May 11, 2019
AceShowbiz - Pras Michel is in serious legal trouble over something that he did back in the 2012 U.S. presidential election. The founding member of The Fugees was slapped with 4-count indictment for violating federal campaign finance law by funneling millions of dollars worth of foreign money allegedly to then-presidential candidate Barack Obama.
According to the indictment, federal prosecutors claimed Michel was conspiring with Malaysian businessman Jho Low, who was accused of transferring more than $21 million from overseas to the rapper from June 2012 to November of that year. The rapper then allegedly gave $865,000 of that money to a network of straw donors who used it to make campaign contributions to one of the candidates.
The legal document didn't specifically mention Obama, but pointed to a number of instances where Michel was photographed with the former president.
Both Michel and Low are now facing charges of violations of campaign finance law and conspiracy to defraud the United States government. The rap star has additionally been charged with concealing material facts and lying in connection with the conspiracy.
Both Michel's attorney, Barry Pollack, as well as Low's spokesperson denied the allegations in different statements and said that their clients are innocent. "Mr. Michael is extremely disappointed that so many years after the fact the government would bring charges related to the 2012 campaign contributions," Pollack stated. "Mr. Michel is innocent of these charges and looks forward to having the case heard by a jury."
Meanwhile, Low's spokesperson said, "Mr. Low is innocent and he is presumed innocent under U.S. law. The allegations against Mr. Low have no basis in fact: Mr. Low has never made any campaign contributions directly or indirectly in the U.S. and he unequivocally denies any involvement in or knowledge of the alleged activities."
The next court hearing is set for May 16.
