PORT WASHINGTON, NY – A months-long phone scam that tricked a Long Island woman out of nearly $400,000 ended with a dramatic crash and the arrest of two Massachusetts men, Dominique Jones and Jean Saint Fort, police said.
On Friday, May 2, Port Washington Police arrested Jones, 24, and Saint Fort, 22, both from Chelsea, Massachusetts, following an undercover operation in Greenvale.
Investigators revealed that the suspects initially contacted the victim in February, claiming to be from Chase Bank’s fraud department. Over the next two months, the pair persuaded her to withdraw large amounts of money, citing supposed “suspicious activity” on her account. By the end of April, the victim had handed over an astonishing $387,000 in multiple withdrawals.
When police confronted the suspects on May 2, Jones attempted to flee in a 2018 Jeep Compass, crashing into a Port Washington Police vehicle and an unoccupied SUV. He resisted arrest but was eventually subdued. Saint Fort, who was the passenger, was arrested without incident.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded 9mm handgun and multiple stolen credit cards in Jones’ possession. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Jones faces several charges, including:
Attempted grand larceny
Criminal possession of a weapon (two counts)
Criminal possession of stolen property (two counts)
Resisting arrest
Criminal mischief
Saint Fort is charged with:
Attempted grand larceny
Criminal possession of a weapon (two counts)
Both men were arraigned on Wednesday, May 8, at the First District Court in Hempstead.
Police are urging the public to stay vigilant, particularly when it comes to protecting older or vulnerable family members from similar scams. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers.
