Sean Kingston, the singer and rapper, has been sentenced to 42 months in a US federal prison after being convicted of wire fraud. The ruling, delivered on Friday, August 15, in a Florida courtroom, follows his and his mother’s conviction for a scheme that defrauded businesses of more than $1 million.
Kingston’s sentence of three and a half years falls between the requests of his defense team and federal prosecutors. His lawyers had asked for a shorter sentence, citing his clean record and community service, while prosecutors pushed for a term closer to the six-year maximum. Kingston’s mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced to five years in prison in March for her role in the fraud.
Court records revealed that the mother-son duo falsely claimed to have made payments for high-value items like jewelry and luxury cars. They would then keep the goods without ever completing the transactions.
Beyond his prison term, Kingston is also required to repay his victims. His lawyers proposed that he serve his sentence under home confinement so he could earn money through music, with the profits going toward restitution.
After his release, Kingston will be subject to a period of supervised release. Conditions include avoiding illegal drug use, providing DNA samples, and maintaining a job for at least 30 hours a week. His probation officer will also be able to visit him at his home without notice.
A hearing to determine the repayment of his victims is scheduled for October 16.