Sean Kingston’s Mother Jailed for $1M Fraud, Singer Awaits Sentencing

• Jul 24, 2025

Sean Kingston’s mother, Janice Turner, has been sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation in a federal wire fraud case involving more than $1 million.

The 63-year-old was convicted alongside her son, the singer Sean Kingston—whose legal name is Kisean Anderson—on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. The case stemmed from a scheme where they allegedly used fake documents to purchase luxury vehicles, high-end jewelry, and other expensive items without paying.

Turner and Kingston were arrested in California in May 2024 and later charged in a federal court in Miami. The case attracted wide attention, given Kingston’s celebrity status, particularly from his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls” and collaborations with artists like Justin Bieber.

Before her sentencing, Turner gave an emotional apology to Judge David Leibowitz. “I’m sorry,” she said tearfully. “My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry. They used him and abused him. I am begging for mercy for me and my son.”

Despite her plea, the court handed her the five-year sentence and ordered her to pay restitution to the victims. The exact amount she must repay will be determined during a hearing set for October 16.

Her lawyer, Humberto Dominguez, shared mixed feelings about the outcome. “We’ve won on some points, we obviously lost on other points, all which will be handled on appeal,” he said. “Overall, the judge tried to do what was right, what was fair.”

Meanwhile, Sean Kingston remains under house arrest after posting bond and is awaiting his own sentencing next month before the same judge. If convicted, he could also face jail time.

The fraud case has shocked many of the singer’s fans and brought renewed attention to the pressures and financial missteps that can come with celebrity life. As Turner heads to prison, all eyes will now turn to Kingston’s upcoming court date.