Sean Kingston and His Mother’s Fraud Trial: Alleged Victim Says Artist Sent Fake Bank Transfers

The artist and his mother grasped Bibles as they listened to witness testimony.

March 26, 2025

Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, are standing trial for allegedly defrauding various people out of a total of $1 million. This week, jurors have heard testimony from witnesses and alleged victims.

As reported by Local 10, prosecutors on Tuesday called witness Ariel Mateos to talk about his experiences with Kingston, 34, and his mother, 61.

Mateos said that he sold the artist a 232-inch television valued at $115,000, which he began to install after receiving a $30,000 down payment. When the huge set was installed, he had a months-long text exchange with Kingston, during which the artist allegedly sent fake wire transfer receipts.

Mateos claimed he never received any further money after the initial down payment, but Kingston's legal team argued that he agreed to promote Mateos and his company through social media.

As reported by NBC Miami, Kingston and his mother were seen holding Bibles while listening to witness testimony in court. When they were seen leaving the courthouse, the pair declined to comment, but Kingston said, "All my fans that supported, I love you guys."

Kingston and his mother are facing up to 20 years in prison for allegedly defrauding various people out of goods and services collectively valued at $1 million. They were both arrested last year when a SWAT team raided Kingston's Florida home and collected several items they allegedly stole. They have pleaded not guilty.