Miami jury finds Sean Kingston guilty of defrauding vendors in high-profile fraud case

MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — Rapper and singer Sean Kingston and his mother have been convicted in a $1 million fraud scheme.

The U.S. Department of Justice said on March 28, a federal jury in Miami convicted Kisean Paul Anderson, known as Sean Kingston, and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. The duo orchestrated a scheme to defraud luxury merchandise vendors of over $1 million in property.

From April 2023 to March 2024, Anderson contacted victims via a social media platform to purchase high-end merchandise. After negotiating deals, he invited sellers to his upscale homes in Broward County, using his celebrity status to gain their trust. Anderson promised social media promotions and mentioned high-profile celebrities as potential referrals, according to court records.

When payment was due, the DOJ said Anderson or Turner sent fake wire receipts as payment for luxury items, including a bullet-proof Escalade, watches, and a 232-inch LED TV. The funds never cleared, leading victims to grow suspicious. Despite numerous attempts to contact Anderson and Turner, the victims told investigators that they were either never paid or only received payment after legal action or law enforcement involvement.

See also: 'We will find you:' Three MS-13 gang members arrested for brutal Florida murder

The DOJ said sentencing hearings for Anderson and Turner are scheduled for July 11. They face up to 20 years in prison for each count.

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