GoFundMe’s major announcement about allegedly stolen donations to murder victim Hannah McGuire’s fundraiser
GoFundMe has issued refunds to those who donated to the family of alleged murder victim Hannah McGuire, after discovering that tens of thousands of dollars were allegedly stolen.
Police allege Ms McGuire, 23, was murdered by her ex-partner, Lachlan Young, 21, with her body found in a burnt-out car in Scarsdale, south of Ballarat in Victoria, in April.
A GoFundMe was soon set up on behalf of Clunes Cricket Club, with Ms McGuire’s family heavily involved.
It had raised nearly $65,000 for the family in the weeks after her death.
It was set up by 26-year-old Lachlan Morganti, who is now accused of stealing more than $60,000 from the online fundraiser after the money was transferred to his account in the expectation he would send it to the family.
Morganti, who played A Grade cricket for Clunes in Victoria, is alleged to have stolen the money to fuel a suspected gambling addiction.
Hannah McGuire’s loved ones have been dealt another cruel blow after $65,000 was reportedly stolen from a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her grief-stricken parents (Mrs McGuire pictured)
Lachlan Morganti (pictured), 26, has been charged with theft after more than $60,000 was allegedly stolen from the online fundraiser
The GoFundMe for Ms McGuire’s family has since been deleted (pictured)
Mr Morganti told the Herald Sun that he regretted the pain caused to Ms McGuire’s family and that the addiction controlled his life.
“I am so incredibly devastated and ashamed of myself,” he said.
“I love that family so much…I’m so sorry for adding more stress and pain to everything they were already dealing with.
‘I have been so addicted to online gambling for over three years that it completely dominates my life.’
Mr Morganti has been charged with theft and was due to appear in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on June 20.
GoFundMe has since canceled the fundraiser and is issuing refunds to donors.
“The GoFundMe Trust and Safety team is aware of this alleged misuse of funds and will work with authorities and all parties to resolve the matter,” a GoFundMe spokesperson said.
‘We will always ensure that donations are used for their intended purpose. Our team is in contact with the McGuire family and will continue to liaise with them and authorities as necessary.”
Mr Young has been charged with murder and appeared in court in April.
He has not yet entered a plea.