Fugees member Pras Michel has begun serving his 14-year federal sentence, surrendering last Thursday to the Federal Correctional Institution in Safford, Arizona, according to Rolling Stone. His legal team continues to fight his 2023 conviction, which they argue was tainted by violations of his rights.
Michel was convicted last year on multiple counts tied to an international conspiracy involving illegal lobbying, campaign finance violations, and money laundering. Prosecutors said he helped funnel foreign money into U.S. politics without registering under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
He was sentenced on November 20 and ordered to forfeit $64 million to the federal government.