Singer Sean Kingston has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for orchestrating a luxury goods fraud scheme that prosecutors say bilked multiple vendors out of more than $1 million. The sentence, handed down Friday by Judge David Leibowitz, comes after Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were convicted earlier this year of wire fraud and related charges.

The 35-year-old musician, born Kisean Anderson, had pleaded with the court earlier in the week for a sentence of home confinement instead of prison time, citing his acceptance of responsibility, the non-violent nature of the crimes, and his role as a financial provider for several family members. Kingston also pointed to his history of charitable work as grounds for leniency. In court filings, his legal team argued that the probation office’s recommendation of five to six years was excessive.

“Mr. Anderson is deeply remorseful for his conduct and involvement in this scheme,” the defense wrote. “He has had time to step back and reflect on his actions and how to make amends… He has made positive steps toward learning and growing from this situation.”

Judge Leibowitz ultimately imposed a sentence that fell between the prosecution’s and defense’s requests, ordering Kingston to serve three and a half years in prison.

The sentencing marks the culmination of a case that began in April 2023, when federal prosecutors alleged Kingston and his mother began a nearly year-long scheme to obtain luxury goods without payment. According to court documents, Kingston contacted high-end vendors online to arrange purchases of items including a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, custom jewelry, and a 232-inch LED television. Prosecutors said he used his celebrity status and the promise of large transactions to gain the trust of sellers, often inviting them to his upscale homes in Broward County, Florida.

When payment was due, prosecutors said Kingston or Turner would send falsified wire transfer confirmations to make it appear that funds had been sent. In reality, no payments were made, leaving vendors to pursue legal action or report the fraud to law enforcement.

The case went to trial earlier this year, and on March 28, a jury convicted both Kingston and Turner after less than four hours of deliberations. Turner was immediately taken into custody as Kingston called out from the defense table, “Protect my mother.”

Last month, Turner received a five-year prison sentence, followed by three years of probation. In her own statement to the court, she expressed regret for her role in the scheme. “I’m sorry,” she said. “My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry. They used him and abused him. I am begging for mercy for me and my son.”

The sentencing is a dramatic fall from grace for Kingston, who rose to fame at 17 with his debut single “Beautiful Girls,” a reggae-pop track that topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007 and became an international hit. In the years since, Kingston has maintained a presence in the music industry through collaborations and touring, though his career has also been marked by legal disputes and financial troubles.

Kingston will now serve his term in federal custody before facing the challenge of rebuilding both his career and reputation upon release. Prosecutors have indicated that restitution will be sought for the victims, though the amount and payment terms have yet to be finalized.