Broward County, FL — Grammy-nominated artist Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme that authorities say involved luxury cars, high-end jewelry, and electronics valued at over $1 million.
The sentencing comes after a high-profile case that began with a dramatic SWAT raid on Kingston’s Florida home in May 2024 and ended in federal court this summer. Both Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Paul Anderson, and his mother were convicted in March 2025 on multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The Sentences
- Sean Kingston was sentenced on August 15, 2025, to three and a half years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The judge denied his attorney’s request for self-surrender, citing the seriousness of the crimes. Kingston expressed remorse in court, stating, “I’ve learned my lesson and take full responsibility for my actions.”
- Janice Turner received her sentence on July 23, 2025, amounting to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution. In court, Turner claimed her actions were motivated by a desire to help her son succeed in the competitive music industry.
The Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors said Kingston and Turner orchestrated the fraud between April 2023 and March 2024, using Kingston’s celebrity status to negotiate deals for luxury goods, including a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, expensive watches, and a custom 19-foot LED television.
The pair allegedly sent fake wire transfer receipts to sellers, convincing them that payment was on the way. One piece of evidence presented in court included a text from Kingston instructing his mother: “I told you to make [a] fake receipt … so it [looks] like the transfer will be there in a couple days.”
Authorities estimate the scheme cost victims more than $1 million in losses.
A Timeline of Events
- May 23, 2024: SWAT team raids Kingston’s South Florida home; Turner is arrested on-site. Kingston is later detained at a California military base during a scheduled performance.
- July 2024: Both indicted on multiple federal charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy.
- March 2025: Convicted on all counts following a federal trial.
- July 23, 2025: Janice Turner sentenced to 5 years in prison.
- August 15, 2025: Sean Kingston sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.
The Fallout
Kingston, best known for chart-topping hits like “Beautiful Girls” and “Fire Burning,” saw his once-thriving career derailed by the case. Prosecutors argued that Kingston used his fame to lure victims into fraudulent deals, offering social media promotions and appearances in exchange for luxury products he never paid for.
Both Kingston and Turner are expected to begin serving their sentences immediately. Restitution amounts will be determined at a later date.
