MIAMI — Rapper and singer Sean Kingston and his mother have been indicted in South Florida on federal charges of committing more than $1 million worth of fraud.
Kingston, 34, and his mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, made their first appearances Friday in federal court, according to court records. A Miami grand jury returned an indictment earlier this month accusing Kingston and his mother of participating in a scheme to defraud victims of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry and other goods through the use of fraudulent documents.
Kingston was booked into the Broward County jail on similar state charges last month following a May 23 arrest at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert where he was performing. Turner was arrested the same day as her son, when a SWAT team raided his rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
According to the federal indictment, Kingston and Turner falsely claimed that they had executed bank wire or other monetary payment transfers for high-end items when no such transfers had taken place. Investigators said Kingston and Turner then kept over $1 million worth of fraudulently purchased items despite not paying for them.
The warrants for the state charges say that from October to March, they stole almost $500,000 in jewelry, more than $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from a Cadilac Escalade dealer, more than $100,000 from First Republic Bank and $86,000 from the maker of customized beds.
The Jamaican American performer had a No. 1 hit with “Beautiful Girls” in 2007 and collaborated with Justin Bieber on the song “Eenie Meenie.”
Robert Rosenblatt, an attorney for Kingston and his mother, didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment from The Associated Press. He previously said they looked forward to addressing the charges and were “confident of a successful resolution.”
Kingston, whose legal name is Kisean Anderson, was already serving a two-year probation sentence for trafficking stolen property.
His mother pleaded guilty in 2006 to bank fraud for stealing over $160,000 and served nearly 1.5 years in prison, according to federal court records.
Sean Kingston, the Jamaican-American singer-songwriter known for hits like “Beautiful Girls” and “Fire Burning,” is facing federal charges alongside his mother for their alleged involvement in a $1 million fraud scheme. The charges were filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, accusing Kingston and his mother of participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the indictment, Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, are accused of using false information to obtain a $1 million loan from a financial institution. The pair allegedly submitted fraudulent documents to secure the loan, including falsified tax returns and bank statements. The funds were then used for personal expenses, rather than the intended business purposes.
The scheme reportedly took place between 2018 and 2019, with Kingston and Turner allegedly working together to deceive the financial institution. The indictment also alleges that Kingston used his celebrity status to help facilitate the fraud, leveraging his reputation to gain access to the loan.
If convicted, Kingston and his mother could face significant penalties, including fines and potential prison time. The case is currently ongoing, with both defendants expected to appear in court to face the charges.
This is not the first time Kingston has faced legal troubles. In 2010, he was involved in a jet ski accident that left him hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident led to a lawsuit filed against him by the victim, who claimed that Kingston was negligent in operating the watercraft.
Despite these challenges, Kingston has continued to pursue his music career and has released several albums since the accident. His fans have shown support for him throughout his legal battles, expressing hope that he will be able to overcome this latest setback.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities. Kingston and his mother’s alleged involvement in the fraud scheme highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in all financial dealings. It also underscores the need for individuals to be cautious when entering into financial agreements and to always verify the legitimacy of any transactions they are involved in.
In the meantime, Kingston and Turner will have to navigate the legal process and defend themselves against the charges brought against them. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – this is a serious matter that could have lasting repercussions for both individuals involved.
