Michael Johnson

The former treasurer of a Minot-based nonprofit organization has been charged with stealing more than $170,000 from the organization over a seven-year period.

Michael W. Johnson, 52, made his initial appearance in North Central District Court on Wednesday afternoon for one Class A felony count of misapplication of entrusted property over $50,000.

According to court documents, the Minot Police Department received a report in October 2025 from the president and vice president of the nonprofit, which was not identified in the affidavit of probable cause. They reported Johnson had been stealing from the nonprofit’s bank account between June 21, 2018, and Aug. 19, 2025, and provided bank records as evidence. The total amount of the stolen funds was determined to be $174,895.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the reporting parties advised Johnson had told them he admitted he took the funds to pay his employees at a separate business he owned at the time.

Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the Class A felony.