Rapper Sean Kingston has been sentenced to 3 and a half years in federal jail for his position in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme.
The “Stunning Ladies” hitmaker, whose authorized title is Kisean Anderson, was convicted earlier this 12 months alongside his mom, Janice Turner, in reference to a wire fraud case involving greater than $1 million (£738,000) value of luxurious items. Gadgets obtained by the scheme included watches, furnishings, a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, and a 232-inch LED tv.
In response to prosecutors, Kingston and his mom exploited the rapper’s celeb standing to steer victims to half with high-value merchandise. When fee was required, they’d allegedly present fraudulent wire switch receipts to create the impression that funds had been despatched.
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Earlier than sentencing, Kingston addressed the courtroom, apologising and admitting that he had “learnt from [his] actions”, US media reported. His mom was sentenced individually in July to 5 years in jail.
The Jamaican-American rapper, additionally recognized for chart-topping singles comparable to “Fireplace Burning”, “Take You There” and “Eenie Meenie” that includes Justin Bieber, was arrested in 2024 in California, the place he had been on account of carry out at a navy coaching base within the Mojave Desert. His detention adopted a raid on his house close to Fort Lauderdale, throughout which his mom was additionally taken into custody.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Kingston incessantly contacted victims by way of social media, expressing curiosity in buying luxurious merchandise. He would invite them to his properties in South Florida, promising publicity by posting their items on his platforms or recommending them to different “high-profile celebrities.” Nevertheless, when fee deadlines arrived, Kingston or his mom allegedly offered falsified receipts exhibiting funds had been transferred.
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Authorities testified that whereas some victims ultimately acquired partial restitution by lawsuits or legislation enforcement intervention, many by no means recovered their losses.
At trial, prosecutors offered textual content messages between Kingston and his mom discussing the fraudulent documentation, together with one during which the rapper instructed her: “I instructed you to make [a] faux receipt.”
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Defence counsel Zeljka Bozanic described Kingston as “a delicate man who grew up poor when he rose to fame in a single day,” arguing that the artist retained “the mentality of a young person” and lacked the talents to handle his funds or enterprise dealings.
Kingston is ready to start serving his jail time period instantly.
