The alleged mastermind behind a GoFundMe scam was charged with federal crimes on Thursday for his role in a $400,000 moneymaking scheme involving a homeless veteran.
Mark D’Amico, 40, was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He already has pleaded not guilty to money laundering and fraud in state court for his involvement in the 2017 scam.
Prosecutors say D’Amico concocted a story in which Marine Corps veteran Johnny Bobbitt gave D’Amico’s then-girlfriend Katelyn McClure $20 after her car ran out of gas in Philadelphia. The couple later started a GoFundMe campaign called “Paying it Forward,” which purported to raise money on Bobbitt’s behalf.
The story gained national attention, leading to several media appearances and an interview on Good Morning America.
“It’s like winning the lottery,” Bobbitt said at the time.
About 14,000 people contributed to the cause, but instead of using the money to help the homeless veteran, D’Amico and McClure pocketed the cash. Court documents claim they spent the money on lavish purchases, including an RV, a BMW car, expensive handbags, and several trips to casinos in New Jersey and Las Vegas in order to feed D’Amico’s gambling habit. Law enforcement officials investigated after Bobbitt sued the couple for failing to give him the money.
McClure pleaded guilty to state charges in April. She faces up to four years in prison and will have to help repay the $400,000. Bobbitt was sentenced to five years probation for state charges, and also agreed to help repay the stolen money. McClure and Bobbitt will both testify against D’Amico as part of their sentences. They also have pleaded guilty to federal charges, and await sentencing.
D’Amico was released after surrendering his passport to the court. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine.
