A judge on Friday (April 12) denied Pras Michel’s motion for acquittal in a political conspiracy case. Members of the Runaways claimed prosecutors presented insufficient evidence to convict him, but Judge Coren Corral-Cotelli disagreed.
“After a five-week trial, the jury found Michelle guilty on 10 counts,” the judge wrote. “The court thoroughly reviewed the substantial evidence presented at trial and found that the evidence was sufficient to withstand a motion for acquittal under Rule 29 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Accordingly, Michel’s motion for acquittal was denied.”
In 2023, Plath was convicted of conspiracy, concealing material facts, making false records, serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power, and witness tampering. A jury found him guilty of participating in a conspiracy involving millions of dollars in foreign funds that were used for illegal backdoor lobbying and illegal campaign contributions.
Prosecutors said Plath conspired with Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho to illegally influence two presidential administrations. Plath was awarded $100 million for her efforts.
Plath believes he should at least get a new trial if the judge refuses to throw out his conviction. Judge Coren Kolar Kotelli rejected his argument.
“Mitchell provided a general statement that the verdict was inconsistent with the evidence,” the judge wrote. “Mitchell did not advance any additional arguments and simply directed the court to review his prior arguments regarding the acquittal for the court’s benefit. Consider…Based on the Court’s review of the evidence and trial transcripts, as well as the conduct of the trial itself, the Court cannot conclude that “a serious miscarriage of justice may have occurred.” “
The judge added: “The jury was presented with significant evidence proving Michel’s guilt for the crimes charged. The collective evidence was sufficient to satisfy the court that the verdict did not amount to a miscarriage of justice. Michel’s request for a new trial on this basis was therefore denied.” . ”
Plath still holds out some hope for a new trial. His motion for ineffective assistance of counsel remains pending.
The rapper’s former attorney, David Kenner, admitted in January to leaking information about the case to reporters. A spokesman for Plath said Kenner “has failed to competently represent Plath every time during this lengthy legal battle.”
