by Rapper Sean Kingston, best known for his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls”, has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison and three years of supervised release after being convicted of wire fraud. The sentencing took place on Friday, following a jury verdict earlier this year that found Kingston and his mother guilty of defrauding businesses of more than $1 million.
Mother and Son Convicted in Fraud Scheme
Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother Janice Turner, 63, were convicted in May 2024 of organized fraud and grand theft. Prosecutors said the pair used Kingston’s celebrity name to trick luxury businesses into delivering high-end goods before payment.
According to the indictment, the two paid with fraudulent or worthless wire transfers and then kept the stolen items. Victims included a jewelry business, a luxury bed company, a used exotic car dealership, and a luxury microLED TV supplier.
Turner was sentenced last month to five years in federal prison and three years of probation.
Defense Arguments Rejected
During Friday’s hearing, Kingston’s attorney Zeljka Bozanic argued that the rapper’s actions stemmed from lingering trauma after a 2011 jet ski accident that left him seriously injured. She added that Kingston, now 35, still exhibits childlike behavior, lacked role models during his rise to fame, and that most of the businesses involved had since been repaid.
“I know he’s very sorry for what he’s done,” Bozanic told the court. Kingston also briefly addressed the judge, saying: “I’ve learned from my actions.”
Prosecutors rejected claims linking his criminal activity to the accident, instead recommending a 60-month sentence. Kingston’s request to self-surrender due to upcoming medical appointments was denied, and he was taken into custody immediately after sentencing.
What Happens Next
A restitution hearing is scheduled for October 16 to determine final repayment to victims.
Kingston was first arrested in May 2024 at Fort Irwin, California, after a SWAT raid on his home in Southwest Ranches, Florida. He was later placed on house arrest with electronic monitoring, while his mother remained in federal custody.
The fraud scheme allegedly spanned several years until March 2024, prosecutors said.
