Lauryn Hill's sentencing for tax evasion is postponed.
A federal judge in Newark, New Jersey delayed Hill's sentencing for tax evasion after the Grammy-winning artist failed to repay the $554,000 in restitution that she agreed to pay before her sentencing, according to David Porter of the Associated Press.
"This is not someone who stands before the court penniless," U.S. Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo said. "This is a criminal matter. Actions speak louder than words, and there has been no effort here to pay these taxes."
It was revealed in court that the singer has only paid $50,000 of the pledged amount.
"I fully expect that by May 3 Miss Hill will be able to pay back all the restitution she has," Hill's attorney Nathan Hochman said in court. He later added that Hill has a recording contract, but she hasn't received any revenue from it.
Hill could receive a maximum of 36 months in prison, although Hochman would likely seek probation. She pleaded guilty on June 29, 2012 to tax evasion. She failed to file tax returns from 2005 to 2007, despite earning an income of $1.8 million during that period, according to Reuters.
Hochman disagrees with the amount and believes that Hill owes less than $1 million. Whether Hill owes the U.S. government more or less than $1 million is critical in her sentencing: it is the difference between 24 to 30 months in prison or 30 to 36 months, according to federal sentencing guidelines.
Hill is an eight-time Grammy winning R&B artist, known for her time with the Fugees as well as her own solo singing career. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is arguably her most famous album, winning her five Grammies in 1999.
Hill's sentencing is reschedule for May 6, 2013.
