wecastonlineJamaican-American artist Sean Kingston, famous for his hit song “Beautiful Girls,” made headlines again on Friday, this time for running out of federal court in Fort Lauderdale. Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, was on probation for trafficking in stolen property when a Miami federal grand jury indicted him and his mother, Janice Turner, on charges of wire fraud.
The charges, tied to an estimated $1 million scheme, allege that Kingston and Turner fraudulently claimed to have made bank wire transfers as payment for vehicles, jewelry, and other goods. After their arraignment, both fled the courthouse—Kingston into a black Cadillac Escalade, while Turner, who made obscene gestures at photojournalists, escaped in a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class sedan.
Federal prosecutors claim the mother-son duo “unjustly enriched themselves” through their fraudulent representations. This isn’t the first time Turner has faced legal troubles; in 2006, she pleaded guilty to bank fraud, serving about 18 months in prison. In the current case, Bank of America and First Republic Bank are involved, and one of the fraud victims reportedly includes a Cadillac Escalade dealer.
The duo was arrested on May 23—Kingston in California during a performance trip and Turner during a raid on her Florida home. During their federal arraignment at 11 a.m. on Friday, they pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They are seeking a jury trial, with attorney Robert “Bob” Rosenblatt representing both of them.
In addition to the federal charges, Kingston and Turner are also facing a state case in Broward County. The charges there include conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and identity theft. The U.S. Secret Service and the Broward Sheriff’s Office are handling the investigations.
Kingston and Turner are now awaiting further legal proceedings in what promises to be a high-profile case with serious repercussions.
