A Jamaican national is currently detained in Western Washington and facing charges of wire fraud and mail fraud after allegedly scamming an elderly Vancouver resident out of $800,000 via a lottery scam. Roshard Andrew Carty, 34, was extradited after being arrested in Jamaica on August 21, 2025, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Magistrate Judge David W. Christal ordered Carty to remain in detention until his trial, which is scheduled for December 22, 2025.
The indictment alleges that Carty first reached out to the 73-year-old victim back in 2020 and maintained contact until early 2024. He is accused of convincing the victim to forward amounts as taxes, fees, and other costs purportedly associated with claiming a $22 million Publishers Clearing House prize. The scam evolved gradually, with Carty's requests shifting from small cash amounts sent via FedEx to persuading the victim to borrow against and eventually sell her home to fulfill his growing demands. In a scheme to make sure the victim never ceases communication, Carty resorted to overly aggressive tactics, including unexpected deliveries and welfare checks done through the victim's landlord.
Weaving an intricate web of deceit, Carty utilized an array of phone numbers and messaging services to orchestrate his fraudulent demands. When the victim attempted to cut ties, his persistence bordered on harassment, with reports of tow trucks and unwanted pizzas sent to her address. The indictment, which was first brought against Carty in November 2024, details a painstaking endeavor by a man intent on squeezing every last penny from someone who believed they had stumbled upon fortune's favor.
The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has long warned against the type of scam Carty is accused of, emphasizing that legitimate prizes do not require payment to claim. This has become a common refrain for authorities as they continuously work to educate the public about these types of fraud.
Charged with eight counts divided equally between wire fraud and mail fraud, Carty faces up to 20 years in prison for each count if convicted. These charges must not be mistaken as a verdict, as every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The case, involving the work of the FBI and assisted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Staniar and David Martin, is also backed by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, which was integral in facilitating Carty's arrest and extradition from Jamaica.
