Guilty pleas from woman, homeless man in GoFundMe scheme

A homeless man and a woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges in a GoFundMe scheme that prosecutors say netted $400,000 with a phony story about him coming to her aid.

Johnny Bobbitt, 36, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, and Katelyn McClure, 28, of Bordentown, New Jersey, pleaded to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

1:58 Prosecutor outlines how New Jersey couple, homeless man defrauded GoFundMe donors

• Prosecutor outlines how New Jersey couple, homeless man defrauded GoFundMe donors
• Judge orders couple who raised $400K for homeless man to turn over funds
• Text messages show New Jersey couple was in financial difficulty
• Prosecutor says lawsuit from homeless man unearthed GoFundMe fraud

Previous Video

Next Video

Bobbitt conspired with McClure and her then-boyfriend Mark D’Amico to make up a story in 2017 about Bobbitt giving McClure cash for gas when she was stranded along a Philadelphia highway, according to prosecutors.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The tale of a homeless good Samaritan made international headlines, with the trio appearing on TV. Their relationship soured, though, when Bobbitt sued the couple over what he said was their failure to turn money over to him.

WATCH: Original story about GoFundMe campaign before scandal

2:02 Over $300,000 raised for homeless good Samaritan who helped woman stranded on highway

New Jersey prosecutors said the suit led them to start an investigation, including hauling away a BMW they determined was purchased with the funds at the New Jersey home where McClure and D’Amico were living at the time.

All three still face charges in state court. D’Amico’s attorney, Mark Davis, says his client denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged by federal authorities.