Jamaican man arrested for allegedly scamming 87-year-old man

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team arrested a man from Jamaica accused of scamming an older Grant County man of over $100,000. The suspect, Damion O. McDonald, 36, was booked into Grant County Jail Sunday, after a stakeout.  

The CRT learned that the victim had been sending money to the scammers since October 2025. The victim was promised luxury cars, real estate and other items. The victim, an 87-year-old man, sent money to the scammer via cash, money transfers and gift cards, according to GCSO.  

On Sunday afternoon, the scammer told the victim to meet him with $64,000 cash at State Route 26 and Beverly Burke Road-SW. CRT, with the victim’s cooperation, staked out the intersection, where the two subjects were supposed to meet.  

CRT witnessed a black SUV park next to the victim’s car and watched as the SUV’s rear passenger received the $64,000 from the victim. Deputies stopped the SUV as it drove away. CRT established the vehicle was ride-share, and the driver had no knowledge or a crime being committed.  

McDonald, according to a statement from GCSO, flew into the United States from Jamaica on Jan. 16. He flew into the SeaTac Airport Sunday morning and hired a ride-share to drive him to Grant County. Deputies learned McDonald, after receiving the cash, planned to be driven to Tri-Cities Airport for an outboard plane.  

McDonald has been booked into Grant County Jail for first-degree possessing stolen property and first-degree theft from a vulnerable adult.