Lauryn Hill Sentencing Postponed Until May 6, Singer Has Two Weeks To Pay Up

Lauryn Hill’s sentencing for tax evasion has been postponed until May 6. The eight-time Grammy-winning singer appeared in court Monday where a federal judge scolded Hill for breaking her promise to make restitution by now.

US Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo criticized Hill for promising to pay restitution by the time of her sentencing. It was revealed in court that Hill has paid just $50,000 from a total of $554,000.

Thirty-seven-year-old Hill pleaded guilty last year to not paying federal taxes from 2005 to 2007. Her earnings in that period totaled $1.8 million. Addressing Hill’s attorney, Nathan Hochman, Arleo said:

“This is not someone who stands before the court penniless. This is a criminal matter. Actions speak louder than words, and there has been no effort here to pay these taxes.”

With the Lauryn Hill sentence postponed until May 6, the famously reclusive performer left court without comment.

There’s much debate over what Hill still owes. Once interest and civil penalties are taken into account, Hochman argues it is just beneath $1 million. However, the US attorney’s office claims it is a little above $1 million. Once the amount owed goes above $1 million, the sentencing range for Hill under federal guidelines increases from 24 to 30 months to 30 to 36 months.

Hochman is hoping to secure a probationary sentence for his famous client.

Outside court, Hochman revealed Hill, a mother of six, was planning to sign a loan against two properties. That sum, said Hochman, would allow her to pay the remainder of the restitution before her next court date. The attorney said:

“I fully expect that by May 3 Ms. Hill will be able to pay back all the restitution she has.”

What do you think of the Lauryn Hill sentence saga?