A SWAT team raided rapper Sean Kingston’s rented South Florida mansion and arrested his mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, on fraud and theft charges. The arrest stems partially from the installation of a massive TV at the home. Kingston was not present during the raid, and it is unclear if he is also a target of the investigation. Turner pleaded guilty in 2006 to bank fraud and served time in prison. Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, is currently on probation for trafficking stolen property.
The rapper is best known for his 2007 hit single “Beautiful Girls” and his collaborations with Justin Bieber. He has not released a major label album in over a decade. The arrest of Turner is said to be related to a lawsuit filed against Kingston by a Florida company that installed a 232-inch (5.8 meter) TV at his home. The lawsuit alleges that Kingston defrauded the company by promising commercials in exchange for credit and a lower down payment. Despite paying $30,000 for the TV installation, no further payments or commercials were made.
Attorney Dennis Card, who witnessed the arrest, claims that Kingston presents a larger-than-life persona of wealth and success, while using his mother as a “necessary component” in his schemes. Kingston portrays himself as a family-oriented person who takes care of his mother, but Card alleges that she is aware of what is going on. The lawsuit against Kingston by Ver Ver Entertainment also claims that he no longer has a working relationship with Justin Bieber, who is not involved in the fraud allegations.
Local media reported that Kingston was out of town at the time of the raid and has not made any public statements regarding his mother’s arrest. Turner’s current legal representation is unknown. The investigation into the charges against her is ongoing, and Broward County prosecutors have deferred all questions to the sheriff’s office. Records show that Turner has a history of criminal activity, including a previous conviction for bank fraud.
Despite the negative publicity surrounding the raid and arrest of Turner, Kingston remains adamant that he and his mother are “good.” He posted on Instagram that his lawyers are handling the situation, although the post was later removed. Authorities were seen loading van goods from the mansion, which was surrounded by expensive sports cars. This incident adds to Kingston’s legal troubles, including his probation for trafficking stolen property, which he is currently serving.
