- Grand Theft: A serious theft crime involving property or money valued above a certain amount, classified into degrees with corresponding penalties.
- Identity Theft: The fraudulent acquisition and use of someone’s personal information, typically for financial gain.
- Organized Scheme to Defraud: A series of acts intended to deceive or mislead others, resulting in financial gain for the perpetrator.
Florida Laws at Play:
In Florida, fraud-related offenses are taken very seriously, with the state imposing strict penalties to deter such crimes. The charges against Kingston and Turner include:
- Organized Scheme to Defraud (F.S. 817.034): This law penalizes individuals involved in systematic, ongoing fraudulent activities. Convictions can result in hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences.
- Grand Theft (F.S. 812.014): Depending on the value of the stolen items, grand theft charges can range from third to first-degree felonies. Given the amounts involved, Kingston and Turner face first-degree charges.
- Identity Theft (F.S. 817.568): Florida law also addresses the misuse of personal information to commit fraud, with penalties including imprisonment and restitution to victims.
Prior Convictions and Lawsuits:
Kingston was already on probation for trafficking stolen property at the time of his arrest. His mother, Turner, previously served 1.5 years in prison for bank fraud in 2006. Additionally, the duo has been involved in various lawsuits over the years, further complicating their legal standing.
