MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on charges brought against a New Jersey couple and a homeless man allegedly involved in charitable scam (all times local):
2:30 p.m.
Authorities say a New Jersey couple and a homeless man made up a “feel good” story about the man helping them so they could raise money through an online fundraiser.
Burlington County prosecutors outlined the allegations against Mark D’Amico, Katelyn McClure and Johnny Bobbitt on Thursday. All three are charged with theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft by deception.
The couple has claimed they set up a GoFundMe page for Bobbitt after he helped McClure get gas when she became stranded in Philadelphia last year. But prosecutors say they found evidence all three knew each other for at least a month before and set up the scheme.
D’Amico and McClure surrendered Wednesday night. Their attorney said they have no comment. Bobbitt is jailed in Philadelphia. A previous lawyer of his didn’t return a call seeking comment.
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1:45 p.m.
Authorities say a homeless man who benefited from a GoFundMe page set up by a New Jersey couple they said helped them with a disabled car has been arrested.
A Philadelphia prisons spokeswoman says Johnny Bobbitt was brought in Wednesday night by U.S. marshals and remained in custody Thursday on probation detainers and a $50,000 bond.
The development came as a New Jersey prosecutor planned to announce developments in a criminal investigation related to the fundraiser that raised $400,000 for Bobbitt.
The couple have denied any wrongdoing. Their lawyer did not answer a phone call.
The couple claim Bobbitt bought Katelyn McClure gas late one night when she was stranded in Philadelphia.
Bobbitt’s lawyer says he has been told the money is gone. It’s unclear what happened.
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10:40 p.m.
A New Jersey prosecutor says he will announce developments in a criminal investigation of a couple that raised $400,000 for a homeless man they said helped them with a disabled car.
Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina is planning a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Investigators searched the Florence home of Mark D’Amico and Katelyn McClure in September after questions arose about what happened to the money they raised through a GoFundMe page.
They denied wrongdoing. Their lawyer did not answer a phone call.
They are being sued by the homeless man, Johnny Bobbitt.
The couple told reporters he bought McClure gas late one night when she was stranded in Philadelphia.
Bobbitt’s lawyer says he has been told the money is gone. It’s unclear what happened.
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