Two suspects involved in a $400K GoFundMe scam plead guilty in federal court

They concocted the story and then asked people to provide funds on Bobbitt's behalf.A GoFundMe appeal, created by McClure, "stated that funds were being solicited to get Bobbitt off the streets and provide him with living expenses, setting a goal of $10,000," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey.More than 14,000 duped donors contributed about $400,000, it noted.D’Amico and McClure transferred donations into accounts they controlled, providing about $25,000 to Bobbitt, the federal prosecutor's office said.It alleged the couple spent most of the money over a three-month period, "including significant amounts on D’Amico’s gambling, vacations, a BMW automobile, clothing, expensive handbags and other personal items and expenses."McClure pleaded guilty to a conspiring to commit wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey said in a statement.Bobbitt admitted guilt to conspiring to commit money laundering, the statement said.Court records detailing the charges against McClure and Bobbitt do not mention D'Amico, but refer to a third conspirator in the scheme.D'Amico is not charged with any federal crimes, according to the federal prosecutor's office.All three suspects also face state charges of theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft.Wednesday's developments in federal court "do not affect our case against Bobbitt, McClure or D’Amico, all of whom remain answerable to the state charges," said Joel Bewley, a spokesman for the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.U.S. District Judge Jerome Simandle set a June 19 sentencing date for McClure, who faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.Simandle set no sentencing date for Bobbitt, who faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.The court appearances were unexpected and did not come as a result of a federal indictment or a scheduled court appearance.“There was no criminal complaint filed and no indictment.