Homeless Vet In Alleged $400K Scam Seeks Pre-Trial Intervention

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ - The homeless veteran charged in connection with an alleged $400,000 GoFundMe scam will apply for a pre-trial intervention program in order to avoid prosecution, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Monday morning.

Johnny Bobbitt Jr. told the court of his intention during a first appearance via closed-circuit TV Friday afternoon. The program is a diversionary program that permits non-violent first time offenders to avoid criminal prosecution. As part of the program, he would admit to some form of guilt, and would be subject to restitution.

Bobbitt, Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico have all been charged with conspiracy and theft by deception in the online fundraiser that raised more than $400,000 for Bobbitt. McClure and D'Amico previously surrendered in New Jersey, and are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 24.

Bobbitt’s history of drug abuse has been well-documented publicly. He told The Philadelphia Inquirer earlier this year he's battled addiction for several years.

His addiction began when he was working as a medic in North Carolina, and he moved to Philadelphia with the intention of starting a new life. However, a job he had lined up fell through, and he soon found himself once again feeding his addiction and living on the streets. Read more here: Woman Raised $400K For Man, But Addiction Struggle Continues

D'Amico's attorney Mark Davis has said the intention behind the campaign of helping a homeless vet get back on his feet was pure and shouldn’t be overshadowed by the fact that the story about Bobbitt using his last $20 to help McClure when she ran out of gas while driving into Philadelphia was made up.

No decision was made on the program, but prosecutors said they would seek to have Bobbitt detained pending trial. A pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Public defender Jay Keesler opposes detention.

Bobbitt returned to New Jersey last week after he was sentenced to an additional 12 months of probation at a hearing in Philadelphia on Monday, Dec. 3.

See related:
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Secret Audio In GoFundMe Scam As Woman Says She Was ‘Duped’
Read The Unbelievable Text Messages Behind $400K GoFundMe Scam
Homeless Man Will Pay It Forward After Woman Raises $380K For Him
Homeless Vet Who Helped Woman Buys New Home With Money She Raised
Woman Raised $400K For Man, But Addiction Struggle Continues
NJ Couple Must Surrender Some Of $400K Raised For Homeless Man
NJ Couple's $400K For Homeless Man's GoFundMe Is Gone: Attorney
GoFundMe Gives $20K To Homeless Vet, Probing NJ Couple's Role
BMW Hauled Away In Search At Alleged GoFundMe Scammers' Home
Homeless Vet To Get Rest Of GoFundMe $400K Raised By NJ Couple

The attached image of Johnny Bobbitt Jr. was previously provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.