VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — A New Jersey man has been arrested and charged following a months-long fraud investigation involving a six-figure scam targeting a senior citizen in Van Buren County.
According to the Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post, troopers arrested Donald Johnson Jr., 56, on December 22, 2025, in Morris County, New Jersey. He was extradited to Michigan and arraigned the following day on a felony charge of false pretenses greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000.
Johnson remains lodged at the Van Buren County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Investigators say the suspect participated in a fraud scheme that targeted a 72-year-old Van Buren County resident. The victim was contacted by phone and falsely told she had won a $5.5 million Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.
According to police, the caller claimed the victim needed to pay taxes upfront to receive the winnings. Believing the claim, the victim mailed more than $200,000 to multiple addresses connected to the scheme. Authorities later determined that over $90,000 of those funds were sent directly to Johnson in New Jersey.
Michigan State Police are reminding the public that legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to claim winnings. Any call demanding money, fees, or taxes in exchange for a prize should be treated as a scam.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a similar scam is urged to contact their local police department.
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