Lawyer: $400K Raised for Homeless Veteran Is Gone

The lawyer for a homeless man in Philadelphia whose selflessness led to donations of over $400,000 said Tuesday that all the money is gone. Johnny Bobbitt's attorney, Chris Fallon, said he learned that the cash was gone during a call with lawyers for Kate McClure and Mark D'Amico, the couple accused in a lawsuit brought by Bobbitt of mismanaging donations they raised for him through GoFundMe. Fallon said he was "shocked. Shocked." "They raised this money to help Johnny Bobbitt get money for food." The couple, who started the campaign after Bobbitt used his last $20 to help McClure get gas after she ran out late at night, deny the claims in the suit, saying they're wary of giving Bobbitt large sums because they fear he will buy drugs. GoFundMe rep Bobby Whithorne says the company is working with law enforcement to ensure that Bobbitt gets the money raised for him, the AP reports. The crowdfunding site says it will guarantee any misspent money, 6 ABC reports.

"While we assist law enforcement with their ongoing investigation, GoFundMe is also working with Johnny's legal team to ensure he's receiving support while the remaining funds are being recovered," Whithorne said in a statement, adding that the company gave $20,000 to an account set up by Bobbitt's attorney "to provide assistance" to him during the investigation. McClure and D'Amico's attorney, Ernest Badway, told the AP they have no comment. They have repeatedly denied wrongdoing. D'Amico has said Bobbitt, a Marine veteran, spent $25,000 in less than two weeks in December on drugs, in addition to paying overdue legal bills and sending his family money. They say they've given Bobbitt about half the money raised, but Fallon says Bobbitt has only received about $75,000, including a camper and a 1999 Ford Ranger. The New Jersey judge in the case ordered the couple to transfer the money into an escrow account by Friday and hire an accountant to review records within 10 days; per NJ 101.5, they missed that deadline. A hearing is set for Wednesday.

(More GoFundMe stories.)