Expand / Collapse search
☰

Johnny Bobbitt to be released on bail until trial

Published  December 14, 2018 6:11pm EST
US
FOX 29 Philadelphia

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (WTXF) - Friday morning a New Jersey judge granted bail to an alleged GoFundMe scammer and homeless veteran.

Johnny Bobbitt entered court Friday morning on a path to freedom with conditions, as he awaits trial on charges he conspired with a former couple to dupe thousands into donating hundreds of thousands of dollars toward his benefit.

Bobbitt's only statements came as replies to the judge, saying he understood his conditions for release. No drug use, attend regular Narcotics Anonymous meetings and, most significantly, no contact with his co-defendants.

Johnny Bobbitt has been behind bars since he was arrested last month.

Bobbitt made his first court appearance in the matter last Friday. Burlington County prosecutors argued he should remain jailed until his trial, while his public defender is sought Bobbitt's release.

Prosecutors say Bobbitt conspired with Katelyn McClure and her former boyfriend, Mark D'Amico, to concoct a feel-good story about Bobbitt giving McClure his last $20 when her car ran out of gas. They raised $400,000, which authorities say was spent on luxury items and casino trips.

McClure's lawyer has said she was duped by D'Amico, while his lawyer has denied such claims.

GoFundMe reports that all donors were refunded, saying in a statement:

GoFundMe always fully protects donors, which is why we have a comprehensive refund policy in place.

While this type of behavior by an individual is extremely rare, it's unacceptable and clearly it has consequences. Committing fraud, whether it takes place on or offline is against the law. We are fully cooperating and assisting law enforcement officials to recover every dollar withdrawn by Ms. McClure and Mr. D'Amico.

Finally, it's important to understand that misuse is very rare on our platform. Campaigns with misuse make up less than one tenth of one percent of all campaigns. We have a zero tolerance policy for fraudulent behavior. If fraud occurs, donors get refunded and we work with law enforcement officials to recover the money. One fraudulent campaign is one too many, but when it does take place, we take action to protect donors. To learn more about our refund policy, the GoFundMe Guarantee, please visit www.gofundme.com/guarantee.