VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — Michigan State Police in Paw Paw have arrested a Morris County man following a months-long fraud investigation involving an elderly Van Buren County resident.
Troopers arrested Donald Johnson Jr., 55, on Dec. 22, 2025, in Morris County. He was extradited to Michigan and arraigned the following day on a felony false pretenses charge involving more than $50,000 but less than $100,000.
Authorities said Johnson is accused of participating in a fraud scheme that targeted a 72-year-old Van Buren County woman.
According to investigators, the victim was contacted by phone and falsely told she had won a $5.5 million Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The caller claimed the victim was required to pay taxes upfront in order to receive the winnings, persuading her to mail more than $200,000 to multiple addresses.
Investigators later determined that more than $90,000 of the money was sent to Johnson in New Jersey.
Michigan State Police reminded the public that legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment to claim prizes and warned that calls requesting money for winnings or taxes are likely scams.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and to contact their local police department if they believe they have been targeted or victimized.
The investigation remains ongoing.
