Sean Kingston and Mother Convicted of Federal Wire Fraud in Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were found guilty of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud after a jury deliberated for 3 1/2 hours on Friday. The charges stemmed from allegations that the duo defrauded multiple businesses out of luxury items, including high-end cars and jewelry, by providing fraudulent documentation of payments.

Kingston, 35, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and Turner, 62, now face potential sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Anton presented evidence showing that the pair sent fake wire transfer receipts to vendors, misrepresenting payment status as they acquired luxury goods.

The prosecution’s case relied heavily on text messages sent by Kingston that indicated payments were made when, in fact, the vendors had not received any funds. “There is no dispute that there was a scheme to defraud,” Anton argued, detailing the pattern of deceit that characterized Kingston’s business dealings.

Both Kingston and Turner denied the allegations, insisting that they had either made complete or partial payments to the vendors. Their defense attorneys characterized Kingston as financially inexperienced, having risen to fame with little guidance on managing wealth.

Turner’s attorney, Humberto Dominguez, portrayed her as a mother influenced by her son’s sudden rise to celebrity status, stating, “There’s very little about this [musical celebrity] life that’s normal.” Kingston’s lawyer, Zeljka Bozanic, reinforced this narrative, explaining that he had “no idea how to run a business” after achieving fame at the age of 17.

The trial’s jury was composed of 45 potential jurors before settling on a final group who would determine the mother’s and son’s fates. Shortly after jury deliberation commenced, the verdict was reached and conveyed in a statement from the federal court.

This trial is not Kingston’s first encounter with legal issues. Just months prior to this case, he was involved in another lawsuit worth $150,000 regarding a high-tech entertainment system that he failed to pay for. Additionally, he faced multiple other allegations over the years related to unpaid debts to various jewelry and luxury goods vendors.

The court will schedule a sentencing date, during which the full scope of the consequences for Kingston and Turner will be revealed. Kingston continues to express his devotion to his fans despite the unfolding legal complications, stating after the jury’s decision, “I love my fans, I love my fans.”

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more details emerge from the case.