Homeless man in GoFundMe scam arrested after missing court

Johnny Bobbitt was due in a New Jersey court Tuesday to face charges that he violated court-ordered conditions that allowed for his release from jail while awaiting trial.

Associated Press

January 9, 2019

In December, Johnny Bobbitt stands during a hearing Burlington County Courthouse in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. (David Swanson /The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, Pool, File)

Update: 3:36 p.m. EST

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.

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.

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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.

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