Introduction to the Case
Singer Sean Kingston and his mother were found guilty in a $1 million federal fraud trial in Broward County, Florida.
Singer Sean Kingston and his mother were found guilty in a $1 million federal fraud trial in Broward County, Florida.
The Verdict
After three and a half hours of deliberations on Friday, the jury found 35-year-old Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother, Janice Turner, guilty of all counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
After three and a half hours of deliberations on Friday, the jury found 35-year-old Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother, Janice Turner, guilty of all counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Sentencing and Custody
Turner was remanded into federal custody, where she will remain until her sentencing. Kingston will be confined to house arrest with electronic monitoring, and must post a surety bond of a home valued at $500,000 and $200,000 in cash.
Turner was remanded into federal custody, where she will remain until her sentencing. Kingston will be confined to house arrest with electronic monitoring, and must post a surety bond of a home valued at $500,000 and $200,000 in cash.
Trial Proceedings
Kingston and Turner will be sentenced on July 11. The trial began Monday and closing arguments were delivered Friday after Kingston decided not to testify on his behalf. He had previously told the judge he wanted to speak his truth.
Kingston and Turner will be sentenced on July 11.
The trial began Monday and closing arguments were delivered Friday after Kingston decided not to testify on his behalf. He had previously told the judge he wanted to speak his truth.
Arrest and Charges
Kingston was arrested in California back in May 2024, the same day Turner was arrested during a raid on the Southwest Ranches mansion where the singer lived.
Kingston was arrested in California back in May 2024, the same day Turner was arrested during a raid on the Southwest Ranches mansion where the singer lived.
Arrest warrants said Kingston, Turner and others defrauded multiple businesses, including a jeweler, a luxury furniture maker, a high-end auto dealer and a company that specializes in TV and entertainment systems.
Arrest warrants said Kingston, Turner and others defrauded multiple businesses, including a jeweler, a luxury furniture maker, a high-end auto dealer and a company that specializes in TV and entertainment systems.
Fraud Scheme
Prosecutors said they purchased the items using fraudulent documents including bank wires and payment transfers, then kept or tried to keep the items despite not paying.
Prosecutors said they purchased the items using fraudulent documents including bank wires and payment transfers, then kept or tried to keep the items despite not paying.
The total value of the items obtained exceeded $1 million, prosecutors said.
The total value of the items obtained exceeded $1 million, prosecutors said.
A Fort Lauderdale-based jeweler testified at the trial that he was fired and lost his credibility after the singer and his mother falsified a wire transfer for a $285,000 Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar watch.
A Fort Lauderdale-based jeweler testified at the trial that he was fired and lost his credibility after the singer and his mother falsified a wire transfer for a $285,000 Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar watch.
Testimonies
Turner took the stand on Thursday and admitted to sending fake wires from her bank account to pay people, but said that it was all to protect her son from being taken advantage of.
Turner took the stand on Thursday and admitted to sending fake wires from her bank account to pay people, but said that it was all to protect her son from being taken advantage of.
Turner said she handles all of her son’s business transactions and admitted to sending fake bank wires from her bank account to make payments for her son.
Turner said she handles all of her son’s business transactions and admitted to sending fake bank wires from her bank account to make payments for her son.
Defense and Prosecution
Defense attorneys argued that prosecutors have no evidence that the mother and son had the intent to defraud, also saying that some of the alleged victims got their money or merchandise back.
Defense attorneys argued that prosecutors have no evidence that the mother and son had the intent to defraud, also saying that some of the alleged victims got their money or merchandise back.
Prosecutors said Kingston and his mother took advantage of special treatment afforded to celebrities to avoid paying for luxury items.
Prosecutors said Kingston and his mother took advantage of special treatment afforded to celebrities to avoid paying for luxury items.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict marks the end of a long and dramatic trial, with both Kingston and his mother facing serious consequences for their actions. The case highlights the importance of accountability, even for celebrities, and the need for transparency in financial transactions.
FAQs
Q: What were Sean Kingston and his mother found guilty of?
A: They were found guilty of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Q: What was the total value of the items obtained through the fraud scheme?
A: The total value exceeded $1 million.
Q: When will Kingston and his mother be sentenced?
A: They will be sentenced on July 11.
Q: What was the defense’s argument in the case?
A: The defense argued that there was no evidence of intent to defraud and that some alleged victims got their money or merchandise back.
Q: What was the prosecution’s argument in the case?
A: The prosecution argued that Kingston and his mother took advantage of special treatment afforded to celebrities to avoid paying for luxury items.
