How will Pras Michel's health impact sentencing? Rapper undergoes emergency colon cancer surgery ahead of $64M forfeiture hearing

Pras Michel's sudden health emergency has resulted in the postponement of the court hearing. Michel was supposed to be in court on August 29 for a hearing so they could decide how much money the American rapper needs to pay back to the government.

In 2019, Prakazrel Samuel Michel was charged with moving money from Jho Low (now a Malaysian fugitive) into Obama's 2012 campaign. He was also charged with trying to stop US investigators from looking into a case where he allegedly influenced and helped China with an extradition case during Trump's presidency.

In 2023, after a trial and testimony from Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Sessions (US Attorney General), Pras was convicted of ten counts, which include witness tampering, conspiracy, and failing to register as an agent of China.

As for his sentencing, prosecutors are looking forward to sending Pras to prison for decades since he "betrayed his country for money." However, Michel's legal team is fighting for a sentence of up to 36 months. They believe that it would be a "just sentence in this case". Additionally, the government is asking Pras Michel to return up to $64,923,226, while his lawyers believe that the amount is:

"grossly disproportionate to the offenses of conviction."

While the sentencing date is yet to be set, Pras' sudden colon cancer removal surgery on August 28 has pushed back the date of forfeiture to October 3.

More details about Pras Michel's colon cancer removal surgery

Pras Michel is yet to address the public himself after his colon cancer removal. But as of now, his legal team has spoken for him. Last month, the lawyers stated that Michel:

"experienced a significant medical concern," which means he will not be present in court on the set date.

Additionally, Pras' spokesperson, Erica Dumas, told Billboard that the doctors found colon cancer while Michel was doing a routine checkup.

She explained:

"Pras missed Friday's sentencing hearing while undergoing emergency surgery for colon cancer removal... We stand with him and his family and wish him a full recovery as he addresses this serious health matter."

She further explained Michel's condition after the surgery. She added:

"...recovering right now until he is in the clear and focused on spending time with his family ahead of sentencing... He still remains hopeful for his future."

Pras Michel is on his way to recovery after his colon cancer removal surgery. However, the court is not letting him off the hook for his federal offenses. He was supposed to appear in court on August 29, but failed to do so because of his health issues. A new date has been set, which is October 3.

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