BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — Janice Turner, mother of singer Sean Kingston, was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months in federal prison for her role in a million-dollar luxury fraud scheme.
Federal Judge David Leibowitz handed down the sentence following Turner’s conviction earlier this year on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud.
Turner, 62, appeared in court shackled and wearing a red jumpsuit. Through tears, she addressed the judge, apologizing and pleading for mercy.
Leibowitz also imposed a three-year probation term following her prison sentence. Turner was ordered to pay restitution to the victims, with a hearing on the matter scheduled for October 16.
Her attorney, Humberto Dominguez, expressed disappointment over aspects of the ruling but noted that the judge tried to strike a fair balance.
“We have mixed feelings on it. We’ve won on some points, we obviously lost on other points, all which will be handled on appeal,” Dominguez said. “Overall, the judge tried to do what was right, what was fair.
Court records obtained by Local 10 News show that Turner also has prior fraud convictions.
Kingston, 35, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, broke down in court when the verdict was read, reportedly crying and pleading with U.S. Marshals to protect his mother. He didn’t take the stand during the trial.
Prosecutors argued that the two defrauded individuals and businesses out of high-end items, including a 232-inch television, a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade and expensive jewelry.
Investigators said much of this was found and seized during a raid on Kingston’s home in Southwest Ranches.
Kingston was placed on home detention after posting a $200,000 cash bond and using a relative’s $500,000 property as collateral. His defense team argued that he had limited understanding of his finances and was reckless with spending.
Although Kingston was not present at his mother’s sentencing, he submitted a letter to the judge.
Dominguez shared its contents:
“She’s been a great mom that she’s a loving, caring person, asking the judge to factor in her age and her medical conditions,” the letter stated.
The defense maintained Turner was trying to help her son and did not intend to defraud anyone.
“She’s a really caring person, she’s helped a lot of people in her life.” Dominguez added.
Kingston, who did not testify during the trial, will be sentenced next month by the same judge. He remains on home detention after posting bond.
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