Watch CBS News

Homeless Man Allegedly At Center Of GoFundMe Scam Arrested After Skipping Court Appearance

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A homeless veteran charged with engaging in a GoFundMe scheme has been taken into custody in Philadelphia after he failed to make a scheduled court appearance.

Mark D'Amico, Katelyn McClure, Johnny Bobbitt
Mark D'Amico, Katelyn McClure, Johnny Bobbitt (credit: KYW-TV)

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 11:30 a.m. 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 everyone who contributed to the campaign.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.