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Authorities claim that a couple from New Jersey and a homeless man invented a "well-being" story about the man who was helping them so that he could not afford anything. they can raise money through online fundraising. (November 15th)
AP

A combination of file photos provided in November 2018 by the Burlington County Prosecutors Office shows Johnny Bobbitt, from left to right, Katelyn McClure and Mark D & # 39; Amico. 19659005] (Photo: AP)

Donations were returned to all those who participated in a viral crowdfunding campaign which, according to authorities, was based on a lie, said a spokesman for GoFundMe Tuesday, November, 1965. Three people who would have concocted a story of goodness to attract donations in October 2017. People donated more than $ 400,000 to the cause.

GoFundMe spokesman Bobby Whithorne said Tuesday that "all donors who have contributed to this GoFundMe campaign have been fully recognized" returned "and that the organization is cooperating fully with the forces of the

According to him, cases of abuse "account for less than one-tenth of the 1%" of GoFundMe's campaigns.

In November The Burlington County District Attorney's Office New Jersey has charged Katelyn McClure and Mark D Amico, both of Florence, New Jersey, with deception and conspiracy to commit a robbery related to viral history.

L & # 39, a man described by 35-year-old Johnny Bobbitt Jr, 35 years old, was charged with the same crimes

The story behind the donations: Bobbitt would have given McClure his last 20 dollars when his car ran out of gasoline.

About 14,000 donated to a campaign q He promised to help Bobbitt start a new life, but the authorities claim that this money was used for the purchase of luxury items and trips to the casino.

"The whole campaign was based on a lie," Burlington County Attorney Scott Coffina said in November

Officials said Bobbitt and McClure had not had a chance meeting because of lack of fuel from his car. Instead, Bobbitt met the couple "at least a month before the launch date of the GoFundMe campaign," said Coffina. The couple met Bobbitt during "their frequent trips to a local casino," he said.

14 : New Jersey AG queries about an online fundraiser after the story of GoFundMe

by Homeless man 7 : GoFundMe says that a man will get $ 400,000 US while investigators search the house of a couple in the case

By l & # 's 39 Through his attorney, McClure said that Amico had deceived him, an allegation denied by his lawyer.

"The gas portion is completely done," McClure said just after the launch of the GoFundMe page, prosecutors said.

Bobbitt voluntarily participated in the scheme, said Coffina.

"Let me say this about Johnny Bobbitt: he deserves our gratitude for his willingness to serve our country in the US Marines … but it is imperative to keep in mind that". it was fully compliant, "said the prosecutor.

Officials began investigating the case after Bobbitt, a homeless person, declared that he was not receiving money collected on his behalf and had sued the couple in court .

Contribution: Carol Comegno, Cherry Hill Courier Post; The Associated Press

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