Grant County, Wash. — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team arrested a 36-year-old man Sunday after an investigation into a sophisticated scam that targeted an elderly Grant County resident.
Authorities say the 87-year-old victim was defrauded of more than $100,000 over several months. Beginning in October, the victim was allegedly lured with promises of luxury vehicles, real estate, and other high-value items. Investigators reported the victim sent money through cash exchanges, wire transfers, and gift cards.
With the victim’s cooperation, deputies arranged a controlled meeting Sunday afternoon near the intersection of State Route 26 and Beverly Burke Road Southwest, close to the Vantage Bridge. The suspect had instructed the victim to deliver $64,000 in cash at that location.
Investigators observed a black SUV pull alongside the victim’s vehicle, where the rear passenger accepted the cash. Deputies then stopped the SUV as it drove away and determined the driver was operating a ride-share vehicle and was unaware of the alleged crime.
The passenger was identified as Damion O. McDonald, who authorities say arrived in the United States from Jamaica on January 16. McDonald allegedly flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and used a ride-share service to travel to Grant County for the exchange. Deputies learned he planned to continue to the Tri-Cities Airport after receiving the money.
McDonald is being held at the Grant County Jail on charges of first-degree theft from a vulnerable adult and first-degree possession of stolen property.
