GRANT COUNTY, Wash. – The Grant County Sheriff’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) arrested a man accused of scamming an 87-year-old local man out of more than $100,000.
The victim had been targeted since October with promises of luxury cars, real estate and other items. The scammer convinced the victim to send money through cash exchanges, money transfers and gift cards, the sheriff’s office said in a release.
On Sunday afternoon, investigators said the victim cooperated with CRT to set up a stakeout at the intersection of State Route 26 and Beverly Burke Road-SW.
The scammer instructed him to bring $64,000 in cash to the meeting. CRT observed a black SUV arrive and watched as the SUV’s rear passenger received the money from the victim.
Deputies stopped the SUV as it left the scene and determined that it was a ride-share with an unaware driver.
Investigators said the rear passenger had arrived in the US from Jamaica on January 16. He flew into SeaTac Airport Sunday morning and used a ride-share to reach the Grant County meeting.
Deputies discovered that after obtaining the money, McDonald planned to travel to the Tri-Cities Airport for a flight out, the sheriff’s office said.
The suspect was booked into Grant County Jail, facing charges of first-degree theft from a vulnerable adult and first-degree possession of stolen property.
Nonstop Local typically does not name suspects until they are formally charged.
