Breaking News: Judge Denies New Trial Request for Rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel
Updated: May 18, 2024
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly stood firm on Friday, rejecting a plea for a new trial in the high-profile political conspiracy case against rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees. The judge’s decision comes after a tumultuous trial in Washington D.C., where Michel faced some serious allegations.
Michel was found guilty on 10 counts after a star-studded trial that included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The charges stemmed from accusations that Michel funneled money from a fugitive Malaysian financer through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. His actions were said to have attempted to influence a Justice Department investigation and an extradition case for China under the Trump administration.
Despite the efforts of his defense attorney, David Kenner, who infamously represented rappers like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg, Michel was unable to sway the judge’s decision. The use of a generative AI program during closing arguments and other errors during the trial did not seem to tip the scales in his favor.
While the defense argued that Michel had received bad advice and was simply trying to navigate the complex world of politics, Judge Kollar-Kotelly maintained that the evidence against him was too substantial to overlook. The judge acknowledged that some mistakes were made during the trial, but they did not overshadow the prosecution’s case.
Michel, a Grammy-winning rapper, now faces the possibility of up to 20 years in prison on the top charges. His sentencing date has not yet been set. A representative for Michel did not immediately comment on the judge’s ruling.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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