Rapper and singer Sean Kingston and his mother have been charged by a federal grand jury in Miami with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, federal prosecutors announced Friday afternoon.
Kingston, 34, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and his mother, Janice Turner, 61, were arrested in May on fraud-related charges after SWAT officials swarmed their Southwest Ranches mansion as part of an investigation into allegations that they defrauded multiple people and high-end businesses. Federal prosecutors said in a news release Friday afternoon that the son and mother received more than $1 million in property through the alleged scheme.
The indictment filed July 11 alleges Kingston and Turner “falsely represented” that they had made bank wire transfers or other payments for luxury vehicles, jewelry and other goods when they had not, according to federal prosecutors.
Robert Rosenblatt, Kingston’s attorney, said he expects the currently pending cases against Kingston and Turner in Broward County Circuit Court to be dismissed now that they are facing the federal charges.
“We look forward to litigating the case in federal court,” he said.
Kingston since his arrest has been allowed to travel internationally to perform shows. Rosenblatt said he was in Africa a few weeks ago.
“He’s free to travel and free to make a living. We appreciate that,” he said. “The government didn’t oppose that either. So we’re thankful …”
Turner’s attorney in the federal case did not respond to a voicemail Friday afternoon.
Both Kingston and his mother made their initial appearance Friday morning in federal court in Fort Lauderdale.
This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
Originally Published: