Pras Michel of the Fugees testified during his conspiracy trial, a move that many believe is risky.
The 50-year-old is being accused of conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions dating back to former President Barack Obama’s campaign. On Tuesday, he took the stand in his defense. He admitted to receiving $20 million in 2012 from Malaysian businessman Jho Low. The financier allegedly gave Michel the funds to secure a photo with Obama. The picture never happened, and while on the stand, Michel says he felt that the funds were “free money.” Michel testified that the lump sum wasn’t intended to be a foreign campaign contribution or as payment for his services.
Prosecutors claim Low and Michel worked together to donate Low’s money to Obama’s campaign in an effort to get the businessman closer to the president. Low has also been charged with four counts of conspiracy and failure to register as a foreign agent. He remains on the run.
While on the stand, Michel admitted that he gave his friends about $800,000 to donate to the Obama campaign in their names, known as straw donors. This allowed them access to Obama’s fundraisers around that time. Still, he maintained that the money was his to spend the way he wanted to. He says he was unaware that his actions were illegal.
Additionally, Michel is charged with later assisting Low in his efforts to persuade the Trump administration to end the Justice Department’s investigation into Low’s alleged involvement in the 1MDB fallout. Prosecutors also believe Low and Michel pressured the Trump administration on behalf of Chinese officials to deport a Chinese dissident.
Michel has pleaded not guilty.
