Despite pleading their innocence since being arrested in 2024, Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were found guilty on all counts in their federal wire fraud trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday.
As per reports, the jury reached its verdict after a few hours of deliberation, convicting the pair of defrauding multiple luxury businesses, including a jewelry company, a high-end bed manufacturer, a luxury car dealership, and a microLED TV company.
According to the federal indictment, Kingstonāwhose real name is Kisean Andersonāallegedly used his celebrity status and social media influence to persuade sellers to deliver high-value goods before payment.
Turner, 61, reportedly played a role in coordinating the deliveries, but payments were made through fraudulent wire transfers, allowing them to retain the items without ever settling the bills. The scheme, authorities said, spanned several years until March 2024.
During the trial, Turnerās defense attorney, Humberto Dominguez, argued that she was only trying to protect her son from people seeking to exploit his wealth. However, Judge David S. Leibowitz determined that Turnerās testimony was obstructive, leading to her immediate remand into federal custody until sentencing.
On the other hand, Sean Kingston who is 35 years old was granted house arrest with electronic monitoring but must post a $500,000 surety bond and $200,000 in cash to remain out of jail.
Their sentencing is scheduled for July 11, where they face the possibility of up to 20 years in prison time for their roles in the scheme.
