Rapper Sean Kingston Commits to Returning to Florida Amid $1M Fraud Charges Against Him and His Mother

Rapper Sean Kingston has agreed to return to Florida despite facing $1M fraud charges alongside his mother. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings surrounding allegations of fraudulent activity. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation as Kingston navigates the legal process.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) Sean Kingston, the rapper and singer, opted on Tuesday to forego contesting his extradition rights in a California court and consented to be transferred to Florida authorities. In Florida, both Kingston and his mother face charges of allegedly committing fraud exceeding one million dollars. 

Although Kingston, aged 34, didn't appear publicly in court, he reportedly signed documents indicating his willingness to bypass extradition proceedings, as confirmed by representatives from San Bernardino courts and the sheriff, according to The Associated Press.

As of Tuesday afternoon, he continued to be held in a Southern California jail, though sheriff’s officials are set to collaborate with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for his return to Florida, according to sheriff’s spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez in an email.

Kingston was apprehended on Thursday at Fort Irwin, an Army training base located in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was engaged in a performance.

His mother, Janice Turner, aged 61, was also arrested on the same day during a SWAT team operation at Kingston’s rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

According to arrest warrants released by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Kingston and Turner are facing charges related to conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and other associated crimes. The warrants detail accusations of their involvement in stealing money, jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade, and furniture.

The Jamaican American artist rose to fame with his 2007 chart-topper "Beautiful Girls" and collaborated with Justin Bieber on "Eenie Meenie."

Robert Rosenblatt, representing Kingston and his mother, previously announced their intention to waive extradition, expressing confidence in addressing the charges in a Florida court. Attempts to reach Rosenblatt for further comment on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

According to the warrants, spanning from October to March, they allegedly stole nearly $500,000 in jewelry, over $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from the Escalade dealer, and more from First Republic Bank and a customized bed manufacturer. Detailed specifics were not provided.

Prior to the recent charges, Kingston, also known as Kisean Anderson, was already serving a two-year probation term for trafficking stolen property.

Records from federal court indicate that his mother had previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud in 2006, involving the theft of more than $160,000. She served close to 1.5 years in prison for this offense.

Source: apnews‍