Singer serving time at minimum security prison
Lauryn Hill began serving a three-month prison sentence in Connecticut yesterday for failing to pay over $1 million in taxes over the past decade, reports the Associated Press. The Grammy-winning singer is serving her time in a minimum security prison with dorm-style living arrangements and will be expected to work jobs such as maintenance, landscaping and food service.
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Hill pled guilty to tax evasion charges in June 2012 for $1.8 million in earnings from 2005-2007. Her sentencing also took into account unpaid state and federal taxes in 2008 and 2009, which brought the total owed to roughly $2.3 million.
Hill's lawyers sought probation, arguing that the singer's charity work, family circumstances and the fact that she had paid back the taxes ought to merit consideration for leniency. At the sentencing hearing, Hill described her situation for failing to pay taxes during a period in which she'd left the music industry in an effort to protect herself and her children.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Moser noted Hill's creative talent and charity work on behalf of impoverished children, but called Hill's explanation for her actions "a parade of excuses centering around her feeling put-upon."
Once Hill is released from prison, she will be on parole for one year, spending the first three months under house arrest.
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