A Michigan grandfather was arrested for allegedly stealing and selling his grandchildren’s Christmas presents for methamphetamine. The gifts were originally purchased through the Van Buren County Sheriff’s “Shop with a Sheriff” program.
According to a December 20th report from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department, 62-year-old Donald Lucas Sr. of Paw Paw, Michigan, stole over $1,000 worth of gifts intended for his four grandchildren and exchanged them for meth. The arrest occurred during a narcotics investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Department.
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Donald Lucas Jr., the children’s father and Lucas Sr.’s son, expressed his devastation to local news outlet Fox 17. He described breaking down in tears upon learning of the theft, questioning how anyone could steal Christmas gifts from children. Fox 17 reported that Lucas Sr. had been staying with the family for a few days during the holiday season when the alleged theft occurred.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department stated that Lucas Sr. refused to cooperate in recovering the stolen gifts. However, the community rallied to ensure the children would still have a Christmas.
The Sheriff’s Department, along with Paw Paw Schools and other community members, organized a shopping spree for the four children, providing them with new gifts and gift cards totaling over $500 per child. Officials emphasized their commitment to making this a Christmas the children would never forget and expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support.
“Our office, Paw Paw Schools, and misc. others gathered up money and gift cards to make their Christmas whole again,” Sheriff’s Department officials stated. “We took them out on a shopping spree and made it a Christmas they won’t forget. I personally cannot thank everyone enough for what they did to help make this happen.”
Lucas Jr. expressed his sincere gratitude to the community for their generosity and support during this difficult time. He told Fox 17, “I want to say, thank you, and Merry Christmas. And it just blew my mind. How many people stepped up to help us.”
The “Shop with a Sheriff” program, which initially provided the stolen gifts, is an annual event supported by local fundraising and donations. According to a December 12th release from the Sheriff’s Department, the program benefited five families facing hardship this Christmas. The Meijer South Haven supermarket matched the funds raised through events like the county fair. Sheriff’s officials described the program as “near and dear” to them and an event they eagerly anticipate each year.
