Meet Drew Christian Donovan, Local Con Artist Extraordinaire – Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate Fraud

AKA Slick Con-Man Christian Andrews Deceives Downtown

Drew Christian Donovan
Drew Christian Donovan

REAL ESTATE NEWS  (May 25, 2017) Los Angeles, CA  —  Christian Andrews is a rich guy with a multi-million dollar trust in Los Angeles who has terminal cancer and wants to help those who are deserving by paying off their credit cards and buying them luxury condos before he passes, even paying the HOA dues and utilities, taxes, everything for a year in advance  — really taking care of those in need. In exchange, he wants nothing really, except for a bit of help in avoiding his interfering parents who are attempting to take control of his life and thwart his attempts to generously help people.  #drewdonovan #fraud

Sounds enticing, huh?  That is the story that the deceiver wants us to believe, but the real story is appallingly different. It starts with his fake name, and gets much worse from there. His real name is Drew Christian Donovan, and today he is perhaps L.A.’s most prolific and despicable con artist. A confidence man so named because he gets the attention and faith of his innocent victims by gaining their trust with phony enticements and fake payments, by appealing to their needs and capturing their sympathy so that he can defraud them out of thousands of dollars each.  #christianandrews

Fake Proof of Funds Provided by Drew Donovan

While the overloaded Los Angeles Police Department has hardly started their engines on this case (Fraud Report DR#1701-11966) and the victims wait to have their phone calls hopefully returned soon by the police investigators, the L.A. Loft Blog has already blown the lid right off this illegal scheme that has penetrated deep into Downtown real estate, touching the Sky Lofts and wreaking havoc on Solaire Condominiums in Koreatown. We’ve learned that the perpetrator has already defrauded more than 100 individuals, families, mothers, children, elderly, disabled out of more than $1,000,000. The insidious aggressor is recently getting even more desperate and dangerous, going so far as to kidnap a mother for several hours, telling her that she may not leave to go tend to her children, while extracting every dime possible from her. Victims are left financially devastated and families potentially homeless in the aftermath Donovan’s wickedly crafted web of deception. The 48-year-old fraudster and identity thief from San Clemente is now at large in Los Angeles, bilking and milking the most needy, gullible and compassionate, taking advantage of those who care to help the phony ailing millionaire. After providing fake electronic payments from non-existent bank accounts and writing fake private bank checks from his own blank check stock using an account that does not exist, the highly skilled smoothie convinces his marks to provide him with cash and credit card use in order to help hide the hustler from his supposedly interfering parents. The real story is that the flim-flam man is blowing the loot on his depraved lifestyle of anonymous sex and drugs while hiding out from his previous victims, and evading the law.

The criminal has purported to have a female assistant helping in the transactions by the name of Melissa Ramsey, likely an accomplice who is conspiring in a criminal enterprise. Recovered evidence shows documentation that indicate police impersonation by Donovan, while photos show the crook enjoying a life of leisure and travel on his swindled funds.

Paul Cheatham, a K-town local who survives on a meager $1,017 per month with 100% disability due to health issues, met shyster Drew Donovan, who was going by the fake name “Christian Andrews”on Feb 28, 2017 through a mutual friend. “Mr. Andrews” asked Paul to help him hide out from his parents for a day. Andrews told Paul that Andrews was dying of thyroid cancer, and had millions of dollars in a trust that the family was interfering with.

Fake bank wire confirmation sent by Drew Donovan

Charlatan Christian Andrews (real name Drew Donovan) convinced his victim Mr. Cheatham that Andrews was a wealthy individual who is dying and wishes to distribute the wealth to those who are deserving. The quack requested personal information in order to add these individuals to his trust. The offender offered to pay Mr. Cheatham’s bills, credit cards in full, rent for three months. To gain the confidence of Mr. Cheatham, the ripoff artist provided bank account numbers and routing numbers to pay Mr. Cheatham’s bills. The liar explained to Mr. Cheatham, that in exchange for helping the hoaxer hide from his make-believe meddling family, the offerer would provide millions in cash, credit car payoffs, and real estate. Two days later, scammer Andrews requested that Mr. Cheatham provide a social security number and California ID, address, mothers maiden name.  Andrews led Mr. Cheatham to believe that a financial trust account was set up to help Mr. Cheatham live comfortably. The trust was to also include a car and a luxury condominium unit, plus a year of pre-paid HOA dues.

At 8:30 PM Sunday, March 5, con-man Christian Andrews brought Mr. Cheatham to Sky Loft Condominiums in Downtown Los Angeles at 801 S Grand Avenue to look at condo units for sale. Andrews called a local real estate agent, Corey Chambers, to help view properties for sale over the next several days. At the direction and coordination of Andrews, Mr. Cheatham went into escrow on the purchase of a $1,300,000 property at Solaire condominiums at 3785 Wilshire Bl.  Innocent victim Mr. Cheatham had no knowledge that Andrews provided a fake proof of funds, as well as a fake earnest money deposit bank wire transmission receipt.

SOLAIRE KOREATOWN FOR SALE   |   NEW HOMES   |   UNLISTED HOMES

Drew Christian Donovan AKA Christian Andrews – Described as a highly skilled con-artist

Andrews gave to Mr. Cheatham a big, fat fake check in the staggering amount of $6,439,543.31 from a non-existent account of City Private Bank, along with another bogus check in the amount of $17,241.18 to be used for personal expenses. Andrews later offered to pay the bills of the real estate agent Corey Chambers after convincing Mr. Chambers that pretend philanthropist Andrews is helping old friend Mr. Cheatham. Andrews also convinced Mr. Chambers that Andrews was dying of terminal cancer and needed help spending his multi-million dollar trust fund in a way that would help Mr. Cheatham while giving money to those who are needy and deserving. On April 6, 2017, Andrews told agent Corey Chambers that Andrews would like to pay some of Corey’s credit card bills that have a large balances in exchange for helping them. Unaware of the scam, Mr. Chambers allowed the bilker to “pay” an American Express bill of $3,409 (which 7 days later was returned as unpaid from Andrews’ fake account on April 13).  Andrews then told Mr. Chambers to provide a credit card for Andrews hotel room, plus $500 cash so that Andrews can successfully complete the real estate transaction using Andrews’ own trust funds. Shiny new cars were also promised — another mirage.

The master hustler Christian Andrews convinced Mr. Cheatham to rent a car until a new car arrives that Andrews promised to pay for. Andrews told Mr. Cheatham that the trust had already confirmed and arranged to pay for everything.

Mr. Chambers informed Mr. Cheatham of his suspicions that Christian Andrews was behaving in a way very similar to con artists and fraudsters. Mr. Cheatham gave to swindler Andrews a total of $30,000 in cash, credit card use and other credit use, such as car rentals. Mr Chambers and Mr. Cheatham reported the fraud to LAPD Rampart office and created an initial Investigative Report on 4/19/17.

On April 20, Mr. Cheatham inadvertently found and recovered a bounty of evidence from room #323 at the Normandie Hotel after Mr. Chambers tipped off the inn as to the nature of their fraudulent, non-paying guest Christian Andrews (Drew Donovan). The mountain of evidence includes computer files with many victim credit cards, stolen identities, evidence of accounts and online services that Andrews utilized to meet men to exchange money and sex, services for anonymous communications, services for travel, and financial accounts of fraud victims. The digital evidence also includes photographs of victims and photographs of perpetrator Andrews. Physical evidence obtained from the hotel room after Andrews skipped town include blank check stock, printouts of fake transactions, written credit card numbers, drivers license numbers and names of many of Drew Donovan’s AKA Christian Andrews’ victims. “He really had me fooled,” admits Mr. Cheatham, “He’s a very skilled con-artist.

Pleasure-seeking lifestyle motivation for fraud.

The personal effects show that Donovan has long been stealing from friends of friends, rich and poor in order to finance his own lavish lifestyle and depraved need for anonymous sex and drugs. The perpetrator is targeting married men and their families to steal from, and he is not slowing down, but is speeding up the pace of his dirty work, putting disabled and families with children into risk of homelessness so that he can feed his own never-ending desire to binge on pleasure and excitement.

The stories of Paul, along with families who have come forward but do not wish to be public, are a small sample of many, many recent victims of fraud and identity theft.  The victims are asking for the public to help.  The L.A. Loft Blog is also working to put an end to swindler Drew Christian Donovan’s campaign of financial devastation.  Readers of the L.A. Loft blog can help to stop one of America’s top con artists currently on the loose and on a rampage in Los Angeles. Drew Donovan is devastating families daily. Here’s how to stop him and others like him:

Report to the police and to the L.A. Loft Blog any information on his whereabouts or recent criminal activities. Include the Fraud Report DR#1701-11966 and then submit the information to the L.A. Loft Blog consumer protection department at consumer@laloftblog.com. This article written by L.A. Loft Blog Publisher Corey Chambers, also a witness and victim of the frauds.

Update June 12, 2017: Additional police report has been filed by another victim at JotNot_06-12-2017-police-report-donovan

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Fake check from fake account passed off to victim by Drew Christian Donovan

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog and LAcondoInfo.com with information provided by Corey Chambers. Descriptions of the suspect and alleged crimes are based on the accounts of victims, along with substantial evidence received by the L.A Loft Blog.

801 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA

12 Replies to “Meet Drew Christian Donovan, Local Con Artist Extraordinaire – Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate Fraud”

  1. We just received an update from another victim. The anonymous victim reports that con-man Drew Christian Donovan’s birth name was Jimmy Wayne Jackson of Holland, MI. She knew him since he was 10 years old, from a dysfunctional family. When older, she would lose touch as Jimmy turned into an 18 year old college DJ in Grand Rapids and then a DJ in Florida. About 9 years ago in back in Holland, MI, the young fraudster’s mom had passed away, and Jimmy never new his birth father. She reports that Jimmy came back to his home town, claimed he made lots of money, and wanted to give it to deserving people. He defrauded her and several of the local townspeople. Years later, Jimmy did it again, making yet another round to take advantage of the folks that cared for him the most by claiming that he had come back to make amends. She said that two victims called her within the last year.

    All victims are encouraged to contact the LA Loft Blog with further information that is being provided LAPD and the FBI.

    Here are her original comments to the L.A. Loft Blog:

    I know this con man. I cared for him when he was a child in holland mi. His name is not Andrew or Christian. It’s Jimmy Wayne Jackson and his parents are both deceased. He conned my husband and I 3 times over the past 9 years. If you want help putting him away, I’d love to help in any way possible. My story is just like the above, only in small town USA.

    If you know anyone who has been victimized by Christian Andrews aka Drew Christian Donovan aka Jimmy Wayne Jackson, please send the LA Loft Blog your information.

  2. Estimated fraud damages top $1 million from prolific con artist Drew Christian Donovan AKA Jimmy Wayne Jackson of Holland, MI. Los Angeles Police Department has so far refused to investigate and refused to receive evidence. Victims request help from FBI for this major interstate fraudster who is being ignored by LAPD.

    Looks like Santa Barbara filed the felony charges, but we get a response from detectives at Santa Barbara police either.

    Booking No.: 5097721 Last Name: DONOVAN First Name: DREW Middle Name:

    Sex: M Race: W Date Of Birth: 11/21/1968 Age: 48 Hair: GRY Eyes: GRN Height: 601 Weight: 245

    Charge Level: F (Felony)

    ARREST
    Arrest Date: 09/12/2017 Arrest Time: 1250 Arrest Agency: 8000 Agency Description: OTHER STATE AGENCIES

    Date Booked: 09/12/2017 Time Booked: 1617 Booking Location: STWD Location Description: IRC – STATEWIDE

    BAIL
    Total Bail Amount: 65,000.00 Total Hold Bail Amount: NO BAIL Grand Total: NO BAIL

    HOUSING LOCATION
    Housing Location: CJ

    Permanent Housing Assigned Date: 09/13/2017 Assigned Time: 1429 Visitor Status: N

    Facility: MEN’S CENTRAL JAIL
    Address: 441 BAUCHET STREET City: LOS ANGELES

    Public Visiting Guidelines Facility Visiting Schedule

    For County facility visiting hours, Please call (213) 473-6080 at Inmate Information Center.

    COURT
    Next Court Code: BUR Next Court Date: 09/14/2017 Next Court Time: 0830 Next Court Case: GA10088701

    Court Name: BURBANK MUNICIPAL COURT
    Court Address: 300 E. OLIVE AVENUE Court City: BURBANKUPT

    RELEASE
    No Information On Release Date.

    HOLD
    Hold Agency: SBB Agency Name: SANTA BARBARA SO Case No.: WR002508 Number Of Hold: 1

    CASE INFORMATION
    Case No. Court Name Court Address Court City Bail Amt. Fine Amt. Court Date Sent. Date Sent. Day(s) Disp Code
    GA******** 65,000.00 .00 09/14/2017 0

  3. LAPD still refuses to investigate and refuses to receive additional evidence. I could not reach investigators or prosecutors at Santa Barbara police, so I just submitted a tip to the FBI with information on this case. It is eligible for FBI investigation because of the interstate, large dollar amount and effects on workplace.

  4. LAPD detective sent a message to one of the victims saying that they cannot accept the offered evidence because the matter is under investigation. Really? LAPD cannot receive evidence or help investigate and help prosecute the convicted felon and parole violator because it is under investigation? Sounds like the LAPD needs to be questioned more about that.

  5. Trina L wrote: I was told drew got released last week. Not sure if you are aware but thought I let you know . So disappointing..

    On Mon, Dec 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM Trina L wrote:
    Thank you. I reached out to the victim in Florida to give him the good news about drew being locked up, he was extremely happy. Drew has gone from Michigan to Florida to California scamming people. I assume he started with some people of wealth and once word got out he had to pick a different class of people to prey on. He scammed a lady named Millicent Sheridan, an actress. And a model named Marcus K. I reached out but no one opened the message. I’m sure theyd be happy to know he’s be caught . Thank you for doing what I couldn’t get anyone else to do. I prayed this day would come.

    On Mon, Dec 18, 2017 at 1:53 PM Corey Chambers – CoreyChambers.com wrote:
    Thank you Trina for the extremely helpful information. I will be creating a special post tomorrow for an update and to add to his incriminating evidence. It will definitely help prevent future fraud and help to others so they will not become victims devastated by financial difficulty. I’m sure that most serious investigators and prosecutors google their defendants, and this information will help prosecute him to keep keep him off the streets a lot longer.

    Thanks again

    Sounds like the dangerous fraudster is on the loose again. Time for everyone to file civil lawsuits agains him before the statute of limitations expires. I have sent a Facebook message and open letter to actress Millicent Sheridan: Hi Millicent, I’m Corey Chambers, publisher of the L.A. Loft Blog. We’ve been writing articles to help inform the public of professional con artist fraudster Drew Christian Donovan aka Christian Andrews aka Jimmy Wayne Jackson. I’ve been told that you may have been victimized by him. We helped put him in jail for a few months recently, and just heard that he has been released. Please let me know if you’d like to help us to slow him down so that he cannot victimize too many more innocent people. Thank you. Corey Chambers (562) 980-6013 truth@laloftblog.com Some names have been changed to protect victims. https://www.laloftblog.com/2017/05/25/christian-andrews-drew-donovan-local-con-artist-downtown-los-angeles-real-estate-fraud/

    1. He’s just strikes again in Oc… he has been staying at a double tree hotel .. I called the cops they weren’t able to do anything about it, but he is a very scandalous person…. sad to say , I really thought he was trying to do a good deed, he was sitting in my house a few time and would repeat he’s stories … he is mentally sick in the head . He really talked a good one with me and my family … everything you guys have out there literally just happen to me , he kept acting all weird asking me what should we put on the title , but I already felt something fishy … he even pretended to pay my cars off , sounds good , & looked like it did.. but come to find it it was never paid off.. luckily I wasn’t that dumb to giving any documents to him.. And when comes to find out to confront him he says everything was all bullshit and that this Paul guy was his ex boyfriend in the real estate business and he sent him away (out of America ) and that he will show us proof of him not lying and that he would never do that to us that we need to understand and blah blah blahbut I honestly didn’t give a shit about his story… HE IS REALLY HURTING PEOPLE, and shit NEEDS TO STOP.. ITS NOT A JOKE HE REALLY FOOLED US THINKING HE WAS HELPING MY FAMILY OUT, & I JUST HAD THIS WEIRD FEELING , so I GOOGLED HIM AND ALL THIS CAME UP EXACTLY HOW HE WAS TRYING TO CON US.. every freaking detail .. HE LITERALLY LIVES IN THIS LIE SINCE 2017 or even before all that!!!!
      PLEASE STOP THIS GUY.. DOUBLE TREE HOTEL, Santa Ana …

  6. To: report@laloftblog.com
    Sent: Friday, August 3, 2018 10:36 PM
    Subject: Drew Donavan

    Hey, do you know if they are still arrested???

    I hope the spend a lot of years rotting there.

    Renan

    On Aug 4, 2018, at 1:55 AM, Corey Chambers – CoreyChambers.com wrote:

    We don’t know, but he was up on 8 various strong charges, so he was probably convicted for something. Probably parole violation etc.

    To
    Corey Chambers – CoreyChambers.com

    Thank you!

    I really hope so!

  7. This monster conned me 2 years ago. Ruined me financially. Strung me along for 3 months. I would love to get some justice.

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