Singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been indicted in federal court in connection with a $1 million wire fraud scheme, according to Variety.
If convicted, both may face up to 20 years in prison for each of the six charged counts.
Following their arrest in May, they have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud.
These charges arise from their alleged involvement in defrauding sellers of high-end speciality vehicles, jewellery, and other luxury goods using fake documents.
The indictment details that the wire fraud incidents took place between April 11, 2023, and March 29, 2024.
During this period, Kingston and Turner allegedly engaged in a scheme to acquire high-value items without making the necessary payments.
According to state warrants, the fraudulent activities included stealing nearly $500,000 in jewellery, more than $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from a Cadillac Escalade dealer, over $100,000 from First Republic Bank, and $86,000 from a customized bedmaker between October and March.
The federal indictment further alleges that Kingston and Turner falsely claimed to have executed bank wire or other monetary payment transfers for these luxury items, even though no such transfers were made.
Investigators stated that the duo managed to keep over $1 million worth of fraudulently obtained items without paying for them.
On Friday, court documents revealed that Kingston was released on a $10,000 cash bond, while Turner was released on a $5,000 cash bond. Both await their next court appearance as the case progresses.
The legal troubles mark a significant fall from grace for Kingston, known for his hit songs and musical success.
The court proceedings will determine the extent of their involvement and the consequences they will face if found guilty.
