A Grammy-winning rapper has been handed a 14-year prison sentence for funneling millions of dollars in foreign donations into former President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, 52, remained silent as the judge delivered the verdict.
Michel was found guilty on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The trial featured testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Prosecutors claimed that Michel's actions "betrayed his country for money" and were driven by "a life of greed." The Justice Department recommended a life sentence, citing the severity of the crimes.
However, defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg argued that the 14-year sentence was "completely disproportionate to the offense." He stated that a three-year prison term would have been more fitting for Michel's actions. Zeidenberg further criticized the federal sentencing guidelines, arguing that they are often manipulated and do not provide fair or just sentences.
Michel has vowed to appeal his conviction and sentence. His lawyers claim that a life sentence would be an "absurdly high" punishment, typically reserved for serious terrorists and drug cartel leaders. They believe that the judge's decision reflects the arbitrary nature of the guidelines and their inability to deliver fair sentencing in this case.
Michel was found guilty on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The trial featured testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Prosecutors claimed that Michel's actions "betrayed his country for money" and were driven by "a life of greed." The Justice Department recommended a life sentence, citing the severity of the crimes.
However, defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg argued that the 14-year sentence was "completely disproportionate to the offense." He stated that a three-year prison term would have been more fitting for Michel's actions. Zeidenberg further criticized the federal sentencing guidelines, arguing that they are often manipulated and do not provide fair or just sentences.
Michel has vowed to appeal his conviction and sentence. His lawyers claim that a life sentence would be an "absurdly high" punishment, typically reserved for serious terrorists and drug cartel leaders. They believe that the judge's decision reflects the arbitrary nature of the guidelines and their inability to deliver fair sentencing in this case.
. I feel bad for him because his whole career is basically over now. And what's up with the Justice Department thinking he should get life? That's just ridiculous 
. Leonardo DiCaprio testifying against him? What did that even entail? He's just an actor, right? 
Anyway, this whole thing has me shook... it's wild how much money was involved too - millions of dollars! 
a rapper gets 14 yrs in prison for using his connections to funnel millions into Obama's campaign?! it sounds like some kind of scandal, but at the same time, like, isn't that how politics work? 
I don't know if I agree with the sentence being too harsh or not harsh enough... it feels like a lot of people are getting caught in between, like, is this guy really guilty or was he just trying to help out his friend 
and those foreign donations were clearly a shady deal. but life sentence just feels excessive... and what's up with the guidelines being manipulated all the time? it's hard to take anything they say seriously 
. The Justice Department can be pretty sketchy sometimes, and it feels like they're more interested in sending a message than actually seeking justice 
.
. He was just trying to help out his friend during a time of need. And yeah, the sentencing guidelines can be pretty arbitrary... maybe this is a good opportunity for them to revamp the system? 
...
And all those Hollywood types testifying against him? Come on, Leo DiCaprio, you're no witness to be taken seriously 
... Anyway, I guess it's not my call, and Pras has 14 years to think about what he did... meanwhile, the system's still got some major flaws, if you ask me 
. the justice system is like super messed up sometimes with these guidelines and stuff... they need to revise them so ppl get fair sentences 
I feel so bad for him and his family... he's already been through so much drama with the trials and all that. I mean, I get it, funneling millions of dollars into a campaign can be seen as pretty shady, but 14 years? That's just crazy! 
. Anyway, I gotta respect Pras' decision to appeal - at least he's standing up for himself 
.
. 14 years is a long time, especially considering Pras was just trying to make some extra cash for his foundation 
. I don't think it's right that he got hit with such a harsh sentence. The justice system can be so messed up sometimes 
. I hope Pras is able to appeal this and get the sentence reduced or even overturned 
. I mean, 14 years for funneling foreign cash into Obama's campaign? That's some serious hubris 
, and it's gonna take him ages to serve 
. Maybe they should just stick with those fancy-schmancy sentencing guidelines and let the politicians sort things out 
and that his friend Jeff Sessions was there too 
. 14 years seems way harsh though - did they really think he'd get a life sentence?