Michigan State Police have arrested a New Jersey man in connection with a months-long fraud investigation involving a Van Buren County resident.
According to the MSP, troopers arrested 55-year-old Donald Johnson Jr. on December 22 in Morris County, New Jersey. He was extradited to Michigan and arraigned the following day on a felony charge of false pretenses involving more than $50,000 but less than $100,000. Johnson remains lodged in the Van Buren County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Authorities say Johnson is accused of participating in a fraud scheme that targeted a 72-year-old Van Buren County woman. Investigators allege the victim was contacted by phone and falsely told she had won a $5.5 million Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. She was allegedly instructed to pay taxes upfront to claim the winnings.
Police say the victim mailed more than $200,000 to multiple addresses, with more than $90,000 of those funds traced to Johnson in New Jersey.
Michigan State Police are reminding the public that legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment to receive prizes, and requests for money or taxes tied to winnings are likely scams. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.
The investigation remains ongoing.
