Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been found guilty of multiple fraud charges, including defrauding businesses in the jewelry, luxury bed, exotic car, and microLED TV industries. The rapper will remain under house arrest until his sentencing in July.
Guilty Verdict in Federal Wire Fraud Case
A jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, convicted Kingston and Turner on all counts after 3½ hours of deliberation. Kingston, 34, must remain on house arrest with electronic monitoring, backed by a $500,000 surety bond and $200,000 in cash. His mother, Turner, 61, was remanded into federal custody and will stay there until sentencing. Both are scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.
As the verdicts were read, Kingston and his mother wiped away tears.
Fraud Scheme Uncovered
Kingston was arrested in Fort Irwin, California, in May following a SWAT raid on his Florida home. According to a July 2024 federal indictment, he used his celebrity status and social media to persuade sellers to deliver luxury goods before receiving payment. His mother reportedly coordinated deliveries and logistics. Payments were made through fraudulent wire transfers while the pair kept the merchandise.
The fraudulent scheme ran until March 2024, according to court documents. Both Kingston and Turner pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Legal Defense and Courtroom Drama
During closing arguments, Turner’s defense attorney, Humberto Dominguez, claimed she was only trying to protect her son from people after his money. He described her actions as “a woman’s intuition.”
Kingston initially expressed a desire to testify but later chose to remain silent. This decision played a role in the judge allowing him to post bond and avoid immediate jail time.
Judge David S. Leibowitz ruled that Turner’s testimony obstructed justice, leading to her being taken into federal custody. As she was escorted away, Kingston hugged her. Leaving the courtroom, he thanked the judge for his fairness.
Sean Kingston’s Career and Legacy
Born in Jamaica, Kingston skyrocketed to fame at 17 with his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls,” which topped the Billboard. Hot 100 for four weeks. The song, blending Jamaican influences with Ben E. King’s classic “Stand by Me,” remains a fan favorite. Its music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube in 2022.
Leaving the courthouse, Kingston declined to comment, departing in a Lamborghini Urus.
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