Federal prosecutors say a Jamaican national has been found guilty in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for orchestrating a years-long lottery scam that defrauded a Vancouver woman of more than $550,000. According to details first reported by MyNorthwest, 34-year-old Roshard Carty posed as an employee of a well‑known sweepstakes organization and convinced the 73‑year‑old victim she had won $22 million and a new car.

Federal court documents state that between August 2020 and February 2024, Carty repeatedly pressured the woman to send increasing amounts of cash to U.S. couriers, which were then forwarded to him in Jamaica. Prosecutors said his requests escalated over time, leading the victim to borrow against her home and eventually sell it in an effort to keep up with demands for so‑called taxes and fees.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington described Carty as “relentless,” noting that when the victim attempted to cut ties, he sent tow trucks and pizza deliveries to her residence and contacted her landlord under the guise of a welfare check. Investigators also documented thousands of calls and messages intended to maintain pressure and control.

According to prosecutors, Carty was indicted in November 2024 and arrested in Jamaica on August 21, 2025. He later consented to extradition and was convicted on February 13, 2026. His sentencing is scheduled for May 14, and he faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud.

The case highlights a pattern of transnational lottery scams that have repeatedly targeted older residents in the Pacific Northwest, including those in Southwest Washington. Local and federal officials continue urging residents to treat unsolicited prize notifications with caution and to remain wary of any request for advance payment.

Sources:

MyNorthwest: Jamaican resident found guilty of fraud after stealing $550K from Vancouver resident in lottery scheme