Rapper Sean Kingston has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after being convicted of a $1 million wire fraud scheme. Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, used his celebrity status to scam victims into giving him luxury items worth over £738,000.
Prosecutors say Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, would reach out to potential victims on social media, claiming they wanted to purchase high-end goods. They would then send fake wire receipts to the victims, stating that payment had been made. However, most victims were never paid.
Kingston’s attorney claims the singer was a “soft guy who grew up poor” and didn’t know how to manage his finances or business. Kingston will begin serving his sentence immediately after being sentenced earlier this year.
His mother, Janice Turner, received a separate five-year prison sentence in July for her role in the scheme. The arrest happened after authorities raided Kingston’s home in California, where his mother was taken into custody.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy40xmp8ddwo