Senior scam suspect from Jamaica arrested in Eastern Washington
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
GRANT COUNTY, Wash. — Authorities arrested a Jamaican national Sunday after he allegedly traveled to Washington state to collect $64,000 from an 87-year-old man, the final installment in a scam that defrauded the victim of more than $100,000.
Damion O. McDonald, 36, was taken into custody by the Grant County Sheriff’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) following a coordinated sting operation. He is currently held in the Grant County Jail on charges of first-degree theft from a vulnerable adult and first-degree possession of stolen property.
Investigators say the fraud began in October. The victim was systematically bilked through promises of luxury vehicles, real estate, and other high-value items. Over several months, the man sent payments via money transfers, gift cards, and cash exchanges.
The investigation culminated Sunday afternoon at the intersection of State Route 26 and Beverly Burke Road-SW. With the victim’s cooperation, deputies staked out the location where McDonald had reportedly instructed the man to deliver $64,000 in cash.
According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, a black SUV arrived and parked alongside the victim’s vehicle. Deputies watched as a passenger in the rear of the SUV accepted the cash.
Police intercepted the vehicle as it attempted to leave the scene. Investigators determined the SUV was a ride-share vehicle and that the driver was unaware of the illicit activity.
McDonald had reportedly arrived in the United States from Jamaica on Jan. 16. Authorities say he flew into SeaTac International Airport on Sunday morning and hired the ride-share specifically to travel to the meeting point in Grant County. He allegedly planned to head directly to the Tri-Cities Airport to flee the area after receiving the money.
The case remains under investigation.
