Story of $400,000 GoFundMe page for homeless veteran ends with more disappointment, misfortune

A homeless veteran in Philadelphia last year won hearts and made international headlines after he gave his last $20 to help a stranded motorist fill up her car’s gas tank.

The driver, Kate McClure, became a news and social media sensation after tearfully telling the world that she was very moved by his kindness.

She and her boyfriend, Mark D'Amico, started a GoFundMe page in November 2017 to help the homeless man, Johnny Bobbitt Jr. The fund reached $400,000 and Bobbitt's story of severe hardship appeared to be over.

But less than a year later, what began as a rags-to-riches fairy tale has turned into a nightmare. At least half of the money is gone and Bobbitt’s life is still in disarray.

What went wrong depends on whose story you believe. In any event, Bobbitt hasn't received all of the money that was raised on his behalf.

How was the money spent?

McClure and D’Amico say they spent half of it on a hotel stay for Bobbitt, a camper they've since sold, an SUV that was “not the one he wanted,” two cell phones, a TV, a laptop, $30,000 in GoFundMe fees and $25,000 on cash that Bobbitt reportedly spent, according to the Daily Mail.

GoFundMe is now investigating whether the money was misspent.

In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Bobbitt said he has no access to the remaining $200,000 and he also no longer has a camper or a car.

He's back on the streets.

What happens next?

D'Amico claims he controls the money and won’t dish out any more of it until Bobbitt gets a job and stops using drugs.

"Giving him all that money, it's never going to happen. I'll burn it in front of him," D’Amico told the news outlet. He also called Bobbitt an addict.

Bobbitt admits he received $25,000 but gave it away to relatives and friends and spent the rest on drugs.

Now Bobbitt questions if the couple can legally withhold the GoFundMe funds.

"I think it might have been good intentions in the beginning, but with that amount of money, I think it became greed." Bobbitt reportedly said.

D'Amico works as a carpenter and McClure, a receptionist, is now driving a new BMW, which the couple says they paid for with their own money. The couple has also gone on gambling trips and other vacations, according to the report.

GoFundMe said it is working to ensure Bobbitt "receives the help he deserves and that the donors' intentions are honored,” according to published reports.