Durrant Pate/Contributor

American singer Kisean Paul Anderson, better known as Sean Kingston, was on Friday (August 15) sentenced to 42 months in federal prison by District Judge David Leibowitz, following his conviction by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. 

The 35-year-old Anderson was sentenced for his participation in a scheme to defraud luxury merchandise vendors of more than US$1 million in property, including a bulletproof Escalade, high-end watches, and a 232-inch LED television. 

On July 23, Anderson’s mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, 62, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for her role in the scheme. According to evidence presented at trial, between April 2023 and March 2024, Anderson contacted victims through a social media platform to arrange the purchase of high-end merchandise. 

After negotiating deals, Anderson invited sellers to one or more of his luxury homes in Broward County. During these meetings, Anderson used his celebrity status to gain his victims’ trust—offering to feature their products on social media or name-dropping high-profile celebrities as potential referral clients. 

When payment was due, Anderson or Turner sent the victims fake wire receipts, obtained by Turner, as purported proof of payment. In reality, no funds were ever transferred from legitimate accounts. 

Most victims were never paid; others received payment after filing lawsuits or involving law enforcement. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, special agent in charge Rafael Barros of the US Secret Service, Miami field office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.

USSS Miami and BSO investigated the case. Assistant US attorneys Marc Anton and Trevor Jones prosecuted the case.