West LA Man Sentenced for Role in 'Grandparent' Scam

James Wesley Jackson III pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, recruiting others as 'money mules'

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:57am

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A 44-year-old West Los Angeles man was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for his role in a 'grandparent' scam, in which elderly victims were duped into sending money to scammers under the pretense that their loved ones were in danger. James Wesley Jackson III pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered to pay over $283,000 in fines and restitution.

Why it matters

Grandparent scams have become increasingly common, targeting vulnerable elderly victims and resulting in significant financial losses. This case highlights the need for continued law enforcement efforts to disrupt these fraud schemes and hold perpetrators accountable.

The details

According to court documents, Jackson admitted to serving as a 'money mule' in the scam, recruiting others to open bank accounts to handle funds obtained from victims. Scammers would contact victims claiming to be relatives in distress, convincing them to send money. Jackson and his co-conspirators stole victims' identities to create new business entities and bank accounts to launder the illicit proceeds, which totaled over $378,000 from four victims across the country.

  • On March 25, 2026, James Wesley Jackson III was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
  • In September 2025, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The players

James Wesley Jackson III

A 44-year-old West Los Angeles man who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in a 'grandparent' scam.

Christopher Fagon

A 47-year-old man previously living in Beverly Grove, California who was also charged in the case and is now believed to reside in or near Toronto, Canada.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Christopher Fagon will also face sentencing for his role in the scam.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of grandparent scams targeting vulnerable elderly victims, and the importance of continued law enforcement efforts to disrupt these fraud schemes and hold perpetrators accountable to protect consumers.