Popular American Singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been found guilty of wire fraud in a federal trial in the United States.
The court found both guilty of defrauding businesses of over $1 million through fraudulent schemes involving jewelry, luxury cars, and other high-end goods.
The jury delivered the verdict on Friday in a Florida court after three and a half hours of deliberation. Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, was placed under house arrest, while his mother was taken into custody. The court ruled that Turner was a flight risk. Their sentencing is set for July 11, with each facing up to 20 years in prison on each count.
According to prosecutors, the mother and son tricked businesses into handing over expensive items by making false payment claims. Some of the businesses affected included a car dealership, multiple jewelry stores, and a television installation company.
During the trial, jeweler Moshe Edery testified about losing credibility after Kingston’s failed payment of $285,000 for jewelry. “I’m being scammed,” he told the court.
The case also revealed that Kingston used his fame and social media influence to gain the trust of sellers. His mother would then follow up on transactions and ensure deliveries, but payments were later found to be fraudulent.
Kingston, known for his 2007 hit song *Beautiful Girls*, did not testify during the trial. However, after the verdict, he was seen in tears and reportedly told U.S. Marshals, “Protect my mother.”
Kingston must post a $500,000 surety bond, along with $200,000 in cash, to remain on house arrest. His mother will remain in custody until sentencing.
Both Kingston and Turner had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their defense lawyers argued there was no proof they intended to commit fraud. They also claimed that some victims had received their money or items back.
The trial followed a raid on Kingston’s Florida mansion in May 2024, where authorities arrested both him and his mother. The indictment accused them of running a years-long fraud scheme using fake wire transfers.
Kingston, now 35, gained international fame in the late 2000s with hit songs and collaborations with top artists like Justin Bieber. His music career saw success throughout the 2010s, but legal troubles have now cast a shadow over his legacy.
