Bridgewater Couple Accused of Stealing $17K From GoFundMe for Homeless Man

BROCKTON (WBSM) — A Bridgewater couple pleaded not guilty to charges that they tried to steal thousands of dollars they raised through a GoFundMe campaign meant to benefit an unhoused man.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced that Brian G. Ferreira, 33, and Rachel Kadis, 31, both of Bridgewater, were arraigned today in Brockton District Court on one count each of larceny over $1,200 by false pretenses, embezzlement and conspiracy.

The couple pleaded not guilty. They were released on personal recognizance with the conditions that they surrender their passports, do not fundraise of any kind, and do not visit GoFundMe or other fundraising websites.

How the GoFundMe Campaign Began

The charges date back to June 7, when the unhoused man identified by the D.A.’s Office as “Greg” reported to Bridgewater Police that Ferreira and Kadis “were fraudulently raising money under a GoFundMe that they said was to benefit him, but the couple refused to give him the money.”

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Homeless Man Greg Dies Before Seeing Donation

The couple had reportedly raised $17,800 with the GoFundMe campaign, titled “Support Greg’s Journey to Stability,” which Kadis launched on March 11. Greg passed away on July 1 without having received any of the funds.

“After an investigation, it was determined that Ferreira and Kadis created the GoFundMe under the guise that it was for charitable purposes, but they kept the money raised in a personal account without giving Greg access,” the D.A.’s Office said.

On June 29, Bridgewater Police filed criminal complaints against Ferreira and Kadis.

Court Date Set for October

They are due back in court on October 9.