Janice Turner, the mother of R&B singer Sean Kingston, has been sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation after being convicted in a federal wire fraud case involving over $1 million in fraudulent purchases of luxury goods.
Turner, 63, was sentenced on Wednesday in a Miami federal court. She and her son, whose legal name is Kisean Anderson were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud following their May 2024 arrests in California.
Prosecutors say the pair orchestrated a high-value scheme using fake documents to buy specialty vehicles, expensive jewelry, and other luxury items, defrauding sellers across several states.
“I’m Sorry,” Turner Tells Judge
Before sentencing, Turner broke down in tears as she pleaded for leniency from U.S. District Judge David Leibowitz.
My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry. They used him and abused him,” she said. “I am begging for mercy for me and my son.”
While the judge handed down a prison sentence, he also scheduled a restitution hearing for October 16, where the total repayment to victims will be determined.
Sean Kingston, 35, known for his 2007 global hit “Beautiful Girls” and the Justin Bieber collaboration “Eenie Meenie”, is set to be sentenced next month. He currently remains under house arrest after posting bond.
His legal team has not released a formal statement, but Kingston is expected to appear before the same judge who sentenced his mother.
Turner’s attorney, Humberto Dominguez, expressed mixed emotions about the outcome.
“We’ve won on some points, lost on others. All will be handled on appeal,” he said. “Overall, the judge tried to do what was right and what was fair.”
