Homeless Vet in GoFundMe Scam Arrested

Johnny Bobbitt reportedly skipped out on court appearance, was arrested Wednesday
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 9, 2019 8:41 AM CST
Updated Jan 9, 2019 4:34 PM CST
Homeless Vet in GoFundMe Scam Is Now Wanted
Johnny Bobbitt stands during a hearing Burlington County Courthouse in Mt. Holly, NJ, on Dec. 14, 2018.   (David Swanson /The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, Pool, File)

A homeless veteran charged with engaging in $400,000 GoFundMe scheme has been taken into custody in Philadelphia after he failed to make a scheduled court appearance, the AP reports. Johnny Bobbitt was due in a New Jersey court Tuesday to face charges he violated court-ordered conditions that allowed for his release from jail while awaiting trial. Bobbitt's lawyer John Keesler says he expected Bobbitt to appear in court. Philadelphia police say he was apprehended in the city just after 11:30am Wednesday. Prosecutors say the 35-year-old conspired with Katelyn McClure and her then-boyfriend Mark D'Amico to concoct a story about Bobbitt giving McClure his last $20 for gas. Bobbit and the couple raised $400,000, which authorities say was spent on luxury items and casino trips. (GoFundMe says it has refunded all donations.)

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