Accused ringleader faces more charges in good Samaritan ruse

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — A man accused of scamming GoFundMe donors out of more than $400,000 with a fake feel-good story about a homeless veteran faces federal charges.

Mark D’Amico is accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He was expected to appear in court Thursday.

D’Amico already faces fraud and money laundering charges in New Jersey. He’s pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say D’Amico, his then-girlfriend Katelyn McClure and homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt made up a story in 2017 about Bobbitt giving $20 to help McClure when her car ran out of gas in Philadelphia.

Bobbitt and McClure both pleaded guilty to federal and state crimes. Authorities have alleged D’Amico was the ringleader and concocted the story.

Authorities began investigating last year after Bobbitt sued the couple for allegedly not giving him the money.