Singer Sean Kingston sentenced to prison in federal fraud case

Legal & Financial Repercussions - Rapper Shawn Kingston was sentenced to 3 and a half years (42 months) in federal prison for wire fraud [1][5] - Kingston's mother was sentenced to five years in federal prison last month for fraud and grand theft [3] - Kingston and his mother stole more than $1 million worth of goods using fraudulent wire transfers [4] - The amount of restitution Kingston owes is still to be determined, with a hearing set in October [9][10] Defense Arguments & Context - Kingston's lawyers argued his case was about a 16-year-old rising to fame without financial guidance [1] - The defense claimed Kingston didn't know how much money was in his bank account and business managers mishandled his finances [2] - Kingston's legal team argued for house arrest, citing repayment of much of what was owed and past good works [6] - The defense compared Kingston's spending habits to an addiction, similar to gambling [8] Courtroom Details - Prosecutors had requested a 60-month sentence [5] - The judge immediately remanded Kingston to custody, denying his request to turn himself in later for medical appointments [11]