FORT LAUDERDALE - Singer Sean Kingston Arrested on Fraud and Theft Charges in California

Authorities in Southern California arrested singer Sean Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, on multiple fraud and theft charges stemming from a warrant issued in Florida. Kingston's arrest followed a raid at his South Florida home earlier in the day, which also resulted in the arrest of his mother.

The Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) reported that Kingston was taken into custody at Fort Irwin, California, and will be booked into jail in San Bernardino, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Earlier on Thursday, Kingston's mother, Janice Turner, 61, was arrested at the artist's Southwest Ranches home, a Broward County community located 22 miles northwest of Miami, on similar fraud charges.

Details of the Raid and Arrest

CBS News Miami's Chopper 4 captured footage of several officers and the Broward Sheriff's Office mobile command center at Kingston's home, coordinating the police operation. According to court filings from February 2024, the Jamaican-American musical artist resides at the property, which is owned by a limited liability company.

The investigation, which began in Dania Beach, involved BSO's Dania Beach District deputies, members of BSO's Strategic Investigations Unit, and Davie Police SWAT. They served arrest and search warrants at Kingston's home, resulting in the arrest of his mother on numerous fraud and theft charges. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Allegations Against Kingston

Kingston is accused of not completing payments to VER VER Entertainment for a $150,000 entertainment system that included a 232-inch television. The complaint alleges that Kingston convinced the company to accept a lower down payment and credit towards the purchase by claiming he would produce promotional videos for the company with Justin Bieber.

"He tells a story. He's got basically a script, he says that he works with Justin Bieber, and that he obviously puts on a big show here. This is a rental house, he doesn't own it. And he lures people using his celebrity into having them release things without him paying for it. And then he simply never pays," said attorney Dennis Card, who has a civil case against Kingston.

Legal Troubles and Past Incidents

Sean Kingston, 34, is known for his hit songs "Beautiful Girls," "Fire Burning," and "Eenie Meenie." However, his career has been marred by legal issues.

In 2021, music video producer GXDLIKE accused Kingston of punching him in the face and threatening him with a gun, claims which Kingston has denied. In 2020, a warrant was issued for his arrest for grand theft after he reportedly received jewelry but never paid for it. Kingston has faced multiple lawsuits from jewelers over the years for allegedly not paying for items received.

In 2016, Kingston was involved in a fight and was robbed of a $300,000 chain at the Penthouse Nightclub & Dayclub in Los Angeles. In 2011, he crashed his watercraft into a bridge in Miami Beach, resulting in serious injuries to himself and a female passenger. Kingston was hospitalized in critical condition, during which doctors discovered a torn aorta that required heart surgery.

Current Status and Next Steps

Kingston and his lawyers have not yet responded to requests for comment. He is set to be booked into the San Bernardino jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, his mother remains in custody in Florida, facing multiple fraud and theft charges. The ongoing investigation may reveal further details about the extent of their alleged criminal activities.

The case against Sean Kingston highlights the intersection of celebrity status and legal accountability, drawing attention to the broader implications of fraud and theft within the entertainment industry.