Sean Kingston’s mother, Janice Turner, is seeking a reduced sentence following her March conviction in a federal wire fraud case. Turner, who was found guilty alongside her son, requested a 30-month sentence in a July 18 court filing. Sentencing guidelines suggest 63 to 78 months, but her legal team argued the recommendation is excessive given her age, health issues, and limited criminal history.
“Ms. Turner will go to prison; she has earned the prison sentence,” her attorneys presented. “However, a sentence greater than thirty months is a waste of taxpayer resources based upon the history and characteristics of Ms. Turner.”
Her sentencing hearing is set for August 15. This is after her request to be sentenced alongside her son was denied by a U.S. judge in their ongoing federal fraud case. According to AllHipHop, U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz rejected Turner’s petition to move her sentencing date to August 15, the same day Kingston is scheduled to appear in court.
Both Turner and Kingston were convicted in March for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to acquire luxury goods and services by presenting bogus wire transfers and falsified financial documents. Prosecutors say the pair exploited Kingston’s celebrity status to deceive vendors into believing he had the financial means to cover expensive purchases, thereby avoiding upfront payments. If convicted on all counts, the two could each face up to 20 years behind bars.
Kingston’s legal troubles gained traction in 2023 when Ariel Mateos filed a lawsuit claiming the artist failed to pay for high-end merchandise. That civil suit sparked a deeper investigation, culminating in a police raid on one of Kingston’s Florida properties. Attorney Dennis Carr, who represents Mateos, described Kingston’s alleged pattern of deception: “He’s got basically a script,” Carr said. “He says he works with Justin Bieber and puts on a big show. This is a rental home, not owned by him, and he uses his fame to persuade vendors to release items without payment—then simply never pays.”
More alleged victims came forward during the trial, painting a broader picture of manipulation and financial fraud.
In the wake of their conviction, Kingston shared a heartfelt message for his mother via social media. Posting a photo of her, he wrote, “My only queen forever. Love you!!!! I promise you this is not the end!” followed by several broken heart emojis.