Sean Kingston and mother found guilty of fraud, rapper breaks down in court, pleads for officials to 'protect my mother'

Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been found guilty on multiple wire fraud charges after a Florida courtroom trial on March 28, 2025.

The pair was convicted on all five charges linked to their May 2024 arrest for swindling over $1 million from car dealerships, banks, and a mattress firm.

Kingston, 35, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, became visibly emotional as the jury delivered its verdict, crying out, “Protect my mother,” as officials took Turner into custody.

Turner, 62, was accused of masterminding the fraudulent scheme, acting as the “fixer and nerve center” behind the operation, which included falsifying documents to secure luxury cars, jewelry, and other goods.

This conviction follows a string of similar cases, including a 2006 bank fraud conviction and a history of legal disputes. During the trial, Kingston’s defense described him as a “child” who did not fully understand the complexities of finances, while his mother was portrayed as the primary architect of the scheme.

Prosecutors revealed that the duo stole nearly $500,000 worth of jewelry, $200,000 from Bank of America, and hundreds of thousands more from various vendors between October 2023 and March 2024.

Kingston and Turner allegedly used wire transfers that were never executed by the banks to enrich themselves through fraudulent means.

In addition to their convictions, the pair is facing hefty penalties. Federal prosecutors have confirmed that they could each face up to 20 years in prison for the charges.

Kingston, who was placed under house arrest with bond conditions, was also ordered to post a $200,000 surety bond and a relative’s $500,000 home as part of his release.

Kingston’s legal troubles didn’t start with this case. He was previously sued and forced to pay significant settlements, including a $356,000 judgment in 2015 for failing to pay a customized watch seller.

The pair’s troubles also led to a dramatic May 2024 SWAT raid at Kingston’s rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale. While Kingston was in California for a US Army performance, Turner was arrested during the raid.

Sentencing hearings for the duo are scheduled for July 11, 2025. Their future hangs in the balance, with both facing potentially decades in federal prison.