Fort Irwin, California — Sean Kingston, the rapper famed for his hit song “Beautiful Girls,” was sentenced Friday to three and a half years in federal prison after being found guilty of wire fraud alongside his mother, Janice Turner. The sentencing stems from a verdict delivered earlier this year that established their involvement in defrauding various businesses of over $1 million.

Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and Turner, 63, were convicted in May on charges related to organized fraud and grand theft. In a separate hearing last month, Turner was handed a five-year prison sentence along with three years of probation for her role in the fraudulent activities.

During the sentencing, Kingston’s attorney, Zeljka Bozanic, argued that Kingston’s behavior was influenced by a traumatic jet ski accident in 2011 that caused severe injuries. Bozanic noted that Kingston, now 35, lacked proper role models during his upbringing, with Turner facing her own legal challenges around the time Kingston gained rapid fame. She urged the court to consider that most of the businesses involved had been compensated.

In a brief statement before the court, Kingston expressed remorse, stating he had learned from his mistakes. However, prosecutors countered, insisting that Kingston’s criminal conduct was a result of his choices rather than his past. They recommended a harsher sentence of 60 months in prison, asserting, “He is a thief through and through,” according to Justice Department attorney Marc Anton.

After the judge announced his sentence, Kingston’s requests for self-surrender due to upcoming medical appointments were denied, and he was immediately taken into custody. Supporters in the courtroom expressed their affection for him as he was led away.

Another hearing regarding restitution is on the calendar for October 16, suggesting the legal proceedings surrounding this case may continue to unfold. Kingston and Turner are alleged to have exploited Kingston’s celebrity status to convince luxury businesses to provide high-end items without immediate payment, instead making payments through fraudulent wire transfers.

The indictment, which surfaced in early 2024, detailed a multi-year scheme that impacted businesses ranging from jewelry retailers to luxury car dealerships. Upon their indictment, both Kingston and Turner entered not guilty pleas.

Following their convictions, Kingston was initially placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring, while Turner remained in federal custody. Kingston, who became a household name at 17 when “Beautiful Girls” topped the charts, has released three studio albums since launching his career in 2007.