VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the MSP announced the arrest of a suspect following a several months long fraud investigation. 

Paw Paw Post troopers arrested 55-year-old Donald Johnson Jr. in Morris County, New Jersey. 

Johnson Jr. is accused of participating in a fraud scheme targeting 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. The caller claimed she needed to pay taxes upfront to receive the winnings, convincing her to mail over $200,000 to multiple addresses.

More than $90,000 of the funds were sent to Johnson Jr. in New Jersey determined by further investigation. 

He was extradited to Michigan and arraigned on December 23 on felony false pretenses charges. He remains lodged at the Van Buren County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

As a reminder, legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment to claim winnings. Calls requesting money for prizes or taxes are likely scams.

If you believe you've been targeted or victimized, contact your nearest police department to report it.

The case remains under investigation.