Janice Turner, the 62-year-old mother of singer Sean Kingston, is seeking leniency from a federal judge as she awaits sentencing in a high-profile wire fraud case. AllHipHop shared the exclusive over the weekend.
Convicted in March 2025 on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four additional counts of wire fraud, Turner faces up to 20 years on each charge. Her sentencing is set for July 23.
In a motion filed ahead of the hearing, Turner requested a significantly reduced sentence of no more than 30 months in prison. Her attorneys cited her declining health, limited criminal background, and the fact that she did not personally profit from the scheme.
They argue that a shorter sentence would still satisfy the goals of deterrence and accountability. “A sentence of thirty months or less will serve the purposes of sentencing,” the filing states.
Federal prosecutors portray Turner as a key architect in a scheme that leveraged her son’s celebrity status and forged financial documents to acquire over $1 million in luxury items. These included jewelry, electronics, and vehicles.
The government identified Turner as the “nerve center” of the operation, accusing her of orchestrating fake wire transfers to trick retailers into releasing merchandise without payment.
Turner admitted to creating fraudulent transfers during the trial but maintained she did not benefit financially. Sean Kingston, who also faces charges in the case, did not take the stand.
While both were found guilty, Turner’s legal team emphasized the disproportionate impact of her punishment. Following her sentence, Turner is expected to be deported to Jamaica, permanently separating her from her U.S.-based family.
Her attorneys have also requested that Turner be housed in a federal facility near Miami, citing the hardship of long-distance separation. The nearest women’s prison is located nearly 500 miles away in Tallahassee.
Supporters submitted letters describing Turner as a charitable and community-oriented woman who has long helped others through volunteer work. Her defense hopes these accounts—and her age and medical condition—will influence the court’s decision.
As the sentencing date approaches, Turner’s case underscores the far-reaching consequences of federal convictions, especially for aging defendants facing both incarceration and exile.
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