Rapper Sean Kingston, 34, and his mother Janice Turner, 61, have been arrested in Florida on criminal charges alleging they orchestrated over $1 million in fraud. The arrests occurred on May 23 following a raid on Kingston’s mansion near Fort Lauderdale. Turner was apprehended at the scene, while Kingston was arrested in California after performing at a military base.
Both are charged with operating an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and other offenses. According to warrants, they allegedly stole $480,000 in jewelry, over $200,000 from Bank of America, nearly $160,000 from an Escalade dealership, and more than $100,000 from First Republic Bank. Additionally, they are accused of taking $86,000 from a customized bed manufacturer.
Kingston is currently held on a $100,000 bond. After his arrest at Fort Irwin in California, he waived his right to contest extradition to Florida. Prior to his arrest, Kingston claimed on Instagram, “People love negative energy! I am good and so is my mother!… my lawyers are handling everything as we speak.”
Alongside the fraud charges, Kingston faces allegations of violating probation related to a previous trafficking of stolen merchandise. Both were scheduled to appear in court following their arrests.
Robert Rosenblatt, the attorney representing Kingston and Turner, expressed optimism about resolving the charges. Kingston is also embroiled in a lawsuit related to a $150,000 entertainment system purchase, accused of using his fame to deceive victims.
Kingston, known for his hit “Beautiful Girls,” which topped the charts in 2007, gained further popularity through his collaboration with Justin Bieber on “Eenie Meenie.” The lawsuit alleges he misled clients regarding his relationship with Bieber to negotiate a lower down payment for the entertainment system.
