Two Irish brothers, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, have been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the U.S. District Court in Seattle for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The case involved defrauding elderly homeowners across the United States, including a significant theft of $435,000 from a homeowner in Shoreline, Washington.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman, who highlighted the impact on elderly victims: "The defendants in this case preyed on our elderly neighbors – coming into their homes and peddling lies about repairs that seemed urgent so that the homeowner would write whatever checks were needed to preserve their homes."
U.S. District Judge John H. Chun described the brothers' actions as "terrible and serious criminal conduct." The fraudulent activities began when they approached an older homeowner in Shoreline in January 2024 with false claims of necessary home repairs.
The FBI investigation linked the brothers to additional contractor fraud cases in Oregon and Illinois. In Oregon, Patrick McDonagh falsely claimed affiliation with a legitimate construction firm, leading victims to pay for incomplete work. In Illinois, Matthew McDonagh's substandard work caused damage after receiving payment.
Restitution agreements have been made for all victims involved. This includes substantial amounts owed to victims in Shoreline, Oregon, Illinois, and Bellevue.
During court proceedings, one victim expressed feelings of betrayal: “They were aggressive, relentless in their pursuit of more and more money... I feel ashamed, frustrated, and betrayed.”
The investigation received support from various law enforcement agencies including the FBI and local police departments.
Authorities continue to caution against contractor fraud with tips such as verifying contractors' credentials through official channels like Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries website.
Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar is prosecuting the case as part of her role focusing on criminal elder fraud within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Washington.