Famed ABC radio commentator Paul Harvey had a popular segment of his early-morning and noontime shows which was called “… and here’s the rest of the story.”

In it, he would update listeners on news stories that received a lot of “press” for a while but then just seemed to fall off the face of the earth.

This has been a valid criticism of those of us in the news media: We go nuts over a story for a few days, but then readers, listeners and viewers are left to wonder, “How did it all turn out?” This is especially true when a story plays out over several years.

One such story that had its sensational beginnings in 2017 is slowly coming to an end nearly five years later with the 27-month jail sentencing of Mark D’Amico of New Jersey for his role in the elaborate GoFundMe scam that netted him and his girlfriend more than $400,000.

D’Amico also will have to serve three years probation, must pay restitution, although GoFundMe officials attempted to return all of the donations to those scammed, and must undergo gambling, drug and mental health counseling.

Appearing before a federal court judge on April 1 (how about the irony of sentencing on this date), D’Amico told the judge that he is a new man, that the person who perpetrated the scam “no longer exists.” Hmmm. I wonder.

D’Amico was indicted by a federal grand jury on 16 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy. He had earlier pleaded guilty to similar charges in state court.

His former girlfriend, Katelyn McClure, and homeless veteran Johnny Bobbitt Jr. had earlier pleaded guilty to state and federal charges. Both he and McClure are scheduled to be sentenced on federal charges later this year, which should bring this protracted case to a close.

The three were part of this made-up story that Bobbitt, despite being homeless and destitute, gave McClure his last $20 when her car ran out of gas in Philadelphia.

Presumably grateful and impressed by this selfless act, McClure and Bobbitt went public with made-up details of the phony gesture, which brought extensive newspaper and TV coverage. They also started the crowdfunding effort to thank Bobbitt and try to get him permanent housing and a vehicle.

This feel-good story captured the hearts of generous donors around the holidays in 2017, and they responded in a big way.

The scheme began to unravel when Bobbitt got help from an attorney and sued the couple, accusing them of pocketing most of the money. Bobbitt claims he received just $25,000 of the funds raised and admitted that he gave some to family and used some to buy drugs. The federal complaint alleges that D’Amico and McClure spent much of the money they raised on a BMW, a top-of-the line recreational vehicle and multiple trips to casinos in New Jersey and Las Vegas.

This story is a cautionary tale for us to be careful about where we donate our hard-earned bucks. Our good intentions to help others in need are offset by questionable or fraudulent fundraising activities which prey on our kindheartedness.

Crowdfunding harnesses the power of social networks and the internet to give people the means to raise funds, help others overcome hardship and meet aspirational goals. With crowdfunding, you can do everything from helping a friend pay for surgery to fulfilling a student’s dream of attending college, supporting a cause you believe in to helping an entire community recover from disaster.

Many in our area who were victims of accidents, fires, medical emergencies and other calamities were saved from financial ruin by friends, neighbors, acquaintances and complete strangers who responded to crowdfunding appeals.

Of course, the most prominent of these sites is GoFundMe. The most successful recent regional campaign involves contributions to the Kaufman family of Hellertown, Northampton County. A fire at their home on March 31 resulted in the deaths of two girls, ages 15 and 10. The fund organizer said the donations, which now total more than $120,000, more than 12 times the original goal, will help the Kaufmans with “hospital bills and incidentals.”

While millions have been raised for worthy causes, there have been instances of fraud and deception, so, donors, beware! GoFundMe is right up front with its warning: “There is no way to 100% guarantee that a user’s donation page contains accurate or truthful information. Donors should contribute only to users they personally know and trust.”

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.