Sean Kingston and his mom found guilty of over $1M fraud as rapper 'cries' in court

Sean Kingston and Mother Convicted in $1 Million Fraud Case

Rapper Sean Kingston, known for his hit songs, and his mother, Janice Turner, have been found guilty of fraud in federal court, in a case involving over $1 million. The verdict, delivered this Friday, marks a significant development in the legal proceedings against the musician and his mother.

Guilty Verdict on Multiple Fraud Charges

The pair, Sean Kingston, 35, and Janice Turner, 62, faced allegations of defrauding several businesses starting in October 2023. These businesses included a jewelry firm, a high-end bed manufacturer, a dealership specializing in used luxury and exotic vehicles, and a company that sells luxury microLED TVs, according to arrest warrants.

A jury has now convicted both Kingston and Turner on all five charges against them. Each individual potentially faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Emotional Courtroom Reactions

Reports indicate that Sean Kingston displayed emotion in court upon hearing the verdict. According to TMZ, the “Beautiful Girls” singer was seen weeping as the jury’s decision was announced.

Following the verdict, Janice Turner was taken into custody. Kingston reportedly appealed to U.S. Marshals to ‘protect my mother’ as she was escorted from the courtroom.

Sentencing and Detention Details

Sean Kingston will remain under home detention until his sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 11. His mother, Janice Turner, was remanded into custody immediately, as the judge deemed her a flight risk.

Earlier Not Guilty Pleas and Arrests

Both Kingston and Turner had previously entered not guilty pleas to the charges. They appeared before Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra for their arraignment hearing last August.

Kingston’s arrest occurred in May at Fort Irwin, a U.S. Army training facility in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was scheduled to perform. The arrest was based on a warrant issued by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Simultaneously, Turner was apprehended on the same day. Her arrest followed a raid by a SWAT team at the entertainer’s rented residence in Southwest Ranches.

Details of the Alleged Fraudulent Activities

Warrants suggest that the pair illicitly obtained money, jewelry valued at $480,000, a Cadillac Escalade worth $160,000, and furniture through fraudulent means.

Kingston’s legal representation argued that he was unsophisticated in financial matters and unaware of the alleged scheme. However, the judge characterized his mother as the central figure and ‘nerve center’ of the purported criminal operation.

Sean Kingston’s Music Career and Past Legal Issues

Sean Kingston achieved significant musical success with his chart-topping hit “Beautiful Girls” in 2007. He also collaborated with Justin Bieber on the popular song “Eenie Meenie” in 2010.

Prior to this arrest, Kingston was already serving a two-year probation period for trafficking stolen goods.

Court records indicate that Janice Turner has a prior conviction. In 2006, she pleaded guilty to bank fraud for stealing over $160,000 and served approximately 18 months in prison.

History of Lawsuits Against Kingston and Turner

Beyond this criminal case, Sean Kingston and Janice Turner have faced multiple civil lawsuits from various businesses alleging non-payment and fraudulent activities. Examples include:

• 2015 Lawsuit: A seller of custom timepieces successfully sued Kingston and his mother in New York City federal court for $356,000 following their failure to pay for goods.
• 2018 Lawsuit: A New York-based jeweler won a lawsuit against the duo for $301,000 after they allegedly defrauded the store of nine items.
• Recent Lawsuit: In February, a Florida-based entertainment systems company filed a lawsuit against Kingston, claiming he failed to pay $120,000 of a $150,000 invoice for a large 232-inch television installed in his residence.

Background on Sean Kingston

Born Kisean Paul Anderson in Miami in 1990, Sean Kingston spent part of his childhood in Jamaica before returning to Florida as a teenager for high school.

In the late 2000s, Kingston rose to prominence in the hip-hop scene through collaborations with prominent artists such as Justin Bieber, Dr. Dre, and Nicki Minaj.

While achieving considerable fame, his mainstream popularity has waned in recent years. His 2022 album, “Road to Deliverance,” did not achieve chart success.

Kingston’s breakthrough in the music industry came at age 17 with the hit song “Beautiful Girls.” The track incorporated his lyrics over the instrumental melody of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me.”