Sean Kingston and his mom committed $1 million in fraud and theft, sheriff's office alleges
Sean Kingston, who along with his mother was arrested last week after his Florida home was raided, is facing 10 charges of theft and fraud.
According to a copy of a May 20 arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY Tuesday, the Broward Sheriff's Office "has reason to believe" Kingston – born Kisean Anderson – carried out a defrauding scheme, committed grand theft and fraudulently used individuals' personal information to obtain services. BSO also says he violated his felony probation.
The circuit court judge set Kingston's bond at $140,000. USA TODAY has reached out to Kingston's attorney for comment.
Kingston's home in south Florida was subject to a police and SWAT team raid last Thursday, which resulted in the arrest of mom Janice Turner for "numerous fraud and theft charges." Later that day, the singer was arrested "without incident" in Fort Irwin, California.
"We were in the process of having him return to Florida after his show," Kingston's attorney, Bob Rosenblatt, told NBC News last week. "We want him back asap so we can show this is merely a civil case and not criminal. We look forward to challenging this case in court."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In 2007, Kingston's breakout single, "Beautiful Girls," hit No. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly after its June debut. Two years later, his single "Fire Burning" peaked at No. 5 on the chart.
What crimes is Sean Kingston accused of committing?
The sheriff's office claims the fraud committed by Kingston and his mom Janice Turner, 62, totaled at least $535,000, with the three counts of grand theft – involving jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade and furniture – having a total value of more than $639,000.
From October 2023 through March 2024, the sheriff's office alleges, Kingston and his mother participated in "a systemic, ongoing course of conduct with intent to defraud one or more persons, or with intent to obtain property from one or more persons by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises or willful representations of a future act."
According to the warrant, Kingston has been on probation since November for allegedly trafficking stolen property.
Turner is facing eight felony charges, according to Broward County court records reviewed by USA TODAY.
Earlier this month, Turner was sued in a civil lawsuit by Curran Living Trust for $100,000 in unpaid rent for a different location in Florida than the arrest Thursday, according to Broward Country court documents obtained by USA TODAY.
Kingston is also facing legal trouble after being sued for breach of contract and fraud by Ver Ver Entertainment in February for allegedly failing to pay for a 232-inch TV and premium sound system, court documents show.
The company alleged the singer flaunted his celebrity status, particularly a connection to Justin Bieber, to negotiate the price. They are asking for $30,000 and attorney fees in a trial by jury.
Contributing: Naledi Ushe