The headline-making story of a good deed gone awry has taken another twist, as a New Jersey couple and a Philadelphia homeless man are now reportedly accused of working together to concoct a GoFundMe story that landed them $400,000.
Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP
However, WCAU cited a complaint that apparently alleges the three made up the false story, and kept GoFundMe donors from obtaining vital information “that would affect their judgment about solicited contribution to that fundraising effort.”
Gofundme
RELATED STORY:GoFundMe Donors Speak Out as Couple Is Accused of Spending Homeless Man’s Money: ‘Despicable’
The couple’s attorney, Ernie Badway, declined to comment on the matter. And a lawyer for Bobbitt, Jacqueline Promislo, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE.
D’Amico and McClure turned themselves in to Burlington County prosecutors on Wednesday, WCAU reported, citing the unnamed source. It is unclear whether Bobbitt has turned himself in.
What began as a feel-good story eventually turned into a criminal investigation after Bobbitt, a 35-year-old vet, accused McClure, 28, and D’Amico, 39, of spending the more than $400,000 they raised for him on GoFundMe on lavish vacations and a new BMW.
David Swanson /The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP
Bobbitt claimed he was homeless again after the couple took control of the money. His attorneys filed a civil suit on his behalf, leading to court hearings and apolice search on the couple’s home.
Now, in the latest twist, it all may have been a ploy for the trio to raise money for themselves. The news comes weeks after a Burlington County Superior Court judgegranted Badway’s request to stay the civil suit, halting legal proceedings through Dec. 7 due to the prosecutors’ initial criminal investigation.
RELATED STORY: N.J. Couple Ordered to Hand Over GoFundMe Money to Homeless Vet After He Accused Them of Fraud
The couple has long denied Bobbitt’s allegations. And, during a September court appearance for an unrelated traffic warrant, D’Amico saideverything would soon become “crystal clear”in his and McClure’s battle with Bobbitt.
Weeks ago, GoFundMe officials said they were working with authorities to give Bobbitt a portion of his money, even setting up an account with $20,000 with Bobbitt’s lawyers, according toGood Morning America. Officials with the fundraising site announced in September thatBobbitt would receive the aforementioned portion of the donationsas a result of theirGoFundMe Guarantee program, a policy that ensures recipients receive their money, or those who have donated receive refunds in the event of “campaign misuse.”
GoFundMe did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE.
source: people.com
