Lauryn Hill Begins Jail Stay Over Tax Evasion

R&B singer Lauryn Hill is now in jail serving out her three-month prison sentence for tax evasion.

The Fugees singer was found guilty for failure to report more than $1 million in taxes over the last 10 years.

The Grammy-winning singer is serving out her three-month prison stay in a minimum security prison that features “dorm-style living arrangements.”

Far from her lavish lifestyle Lauryn Hill will be forced to work odd jobs inside the prison. Jobs available to the singer will include maintenance, landscaping, and food service.

Lauryn Hill pled guilty to tax evasion in June 2012 for $1.8 million in earning from 2005-2007. When 2009 and 2009 taxes were included, the singer’s tax evasion rose to $2.3 million.

After pleading guilty, Lauryn Hill’s lawyers argued for probation. Attorneys noted that Hill had paid back the money owed and that her charity work and family circumstances warranted no jail time.

In arguing her case ahead of sentencing, Lauryn Hill said she failed to pay taxes during a period in which she left the music industry to protect her children.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Moser wasn’t buying the singers reason for failing to pay taxes. Moser said Lauryn’s actions were just “a parade of excuses centering around her feeling put-upon.”

Lauryn Hill will leave prison after three months at which time she will remain under house arrest for three additional months. Under the terms of her sentencing, she will also face one year of parole.

With five Grammys under her belt and the respect of her fans still in place, we have a feeling Lauryn Hill will emerge just fine after her short stay in prison.

Unfortunately for Hill, former Fugees member Pras was wrong in his prediction about escaping jail time.

Do you think a three-month prison sentence for $2.3 million in failed tax payments is too lenient?

[Image via Wikipedia / Brennan Schnell]