Dancehall producer Papi Don, born Donte Johnson, has been released from federal prison, as per reports, after serving 16 months of a 21-month sentence for his role in an advance-fee fraud scheme. The scheme targeted between 17 to 20 elderly individuals in the United States, resulting in collective losses of over US$400,000.
Papi Don pleaded guilty to mail fraud, admitting that he deceived victims into sending “fees” by falsely claiming they had won substantial prizes through the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. While the producer personally retained approximately $60,000, law enforcement seized over $17,000 at the time of his arrest.
As reported by Dancehall Mag, Although sentencing guidelines recommended a 33- to 41-month sentence, Papi Don received a reduced term due to his cooperation and acceptance of responsibility.
He was initially arrested in South Florida in 2021 and sentenced in May 2023. After serving time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Miami, Papi Don was released in September 2024.
Papi Don rose to prominence with his ‘Papi Don Muzi’ label, producing Dancehall hits like TeeJay’s “Up Top” and Shaneil Muir’s “Yamabella”. However, court records reveal that his musical success did not always translate into financial stability.
His attorney described his involvement in the scheme as “the worst decision of his life,” highlighting the likely consequences, including potential deportation to Jamaica. As per the court documents, Some victims suffered devastating financial losses, including depleting retirement savings and facing bankruptcy.
