Overview
- U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly imposed a 14-year prison term and previously ordered Michel to forfeit more than $64 million.
- A federal jury in April 2023 convicted Michel on ten counts, including conspiracy, money laundering and acting as an unregistered agent.
- Investigators say he funneled funds from Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho into Barack Obama's 2012 campaign through straw donors.
- Prosecutors sought a life sentence, while the defense called the punishment disproportionate and says Michel will appeal.
- Michel remains free on bail and is scheduled to surrender in late January 2026, with testimony at trial including Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.