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Homeless man, woman in GoFundMe scam plead guilty to federal charges

The New Jersey woman and homeless veteran behind a phony GoFundMe campaign have pleaded guilty to federal charges.

News 12 Staff

Mar 7, 2019, 10:24 AM

Updated 2,116 days ago

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Homeless man, woman in GoFundMe scam plead guilty to federal charges
The New Jersey woman and homeless veteran behind a phony GoFundMe campaign have pleaded guilty to federal charges.

Johnny Bobbitt, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces 10 years in prison.
Kate McClure pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Back in November of 2017, McClure and her boyfriend, Mark D'amico, created the fake GoFundMe scheme to raise money for Bobbitt.
Prosecutors say they concocted 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.
The story unraveled after they all began fighting over money.
"There is no question that when you make a false statement such as, somebody gave you $20 to buy gas, that says false and people are going to rely on that," says James Gerrow, McClure's Attorney.

The three all face state charges in New Jersey for the scam and have all pleaded not guilty.
It is not clear if D'Amico will face federal charges.
GoFundMe says it has refunded everyone who contributed to the campaign.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.