Rapper Sean Kingston Sentenced To 3½ Years In Federal Prison Over Million-Dollar Fraud

Rapper Sean Kingston has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for his role in a million-dollar fraud scheme.

The “Beautiful Girls” singer, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, was convicted earlier this year alongside his mother in a wire fraud case involving the theft of luxury items, including watches, a 232-inch LED TV, a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, and high-end furniture, totaling more than $1 million (£738,000).

Prosecutors said Kingston and his mother exploited his celebrity status to convince victims to provide products, then sent fake wire receipts when it was time to pay.

Kingston apologized in court before his sentencing, telling the judge he had learned from his actions. His mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced in July to five years in prison.

The Jamaican-American artist, also known for hits like “Fire Burning,” “Take You There,” and “Eenie Meenie” featuring Justin Bieber, was arrested in 2024 in California while preparing to perform at an Army training base in the Mojave Desert. Authorities raided his home near Fort Lauderdale, taking his mother into custody at the scene.

Federal prosecutors said Kingston contacted victims on social media, claiming he wanted to buy luxury goods, and invited them to his South Florida residences. He promised to feature their products on his social media or refer them to other “high-profile celebrities.”

However, when it was time to pay, Kingston or his mother sent fake wire receipts that falsely indicated payment had been made. Most victims were never compensated, though some received payment only after law enforcement intervention or legal action.

Text messages presented at trial revealed Kingston and his mother discussing the creation of fake receipts. One message read: “I told you to make [a] fake receipt,” prosecutors said.

Kingston’s attorney, Zeljka Bozanic, described him as “a soft guy who grew up poor and rose to fame overnight,” adding that he still had the mindset of a teenager and lacked experience managing his finances and business.

Kingston will begin serving his sentence immediately.