A barber in Texas opted to do the right thing rather than taking life-changing money when he had the opportunity.
The unknown 37-year old man went to an ATM, only to find a bag filled with $128,514 in cash (as well as a smaller bag with 19 checks). While many people might take that money and run, the Lewisville, Texas man began looking for the rightful owner.
Information on one of the bags indicated it might have come from Chick-Fil-A, so he drove to the nearby location, where the owner told him the money wasn’t theirs. Flummoxed, he called 911 and returned the money – every dollar of it.
“I’ve had cases where good Samaritans have turned in property that they found — wallets, IDs, things like that,” said Lewisville Police Detective Gina Miller. “But in the case of $128,000, I’ve never had somebody turn in that kind of money before.”
The source of the cash
Police did eventually figure out whose money was recovered. The cash belonged to Bank of America, but had apparently been left behind by Brinks, when a technician serviced the ATM and was supposed to take the money. The tech apparently left it by accident.
Police say there are no signs the misplaced cash was connected to any sort of criminal activity.
“The bag was just sitting there,” Miller said. “There was no indication of a crime occurring. It looked like it was just left there by accident.”
The cash — and checks — are now once again in Bank of America’s vaults. The good samaritan who recovered the money has seemingly not been given a reward and has requested to remain anonymous.
While the barber said he doesn’t want publicity, the Lewisville police say they want to recognize someone for doing the right thing, when it would have been so tempting to not do so.
The barber did tell CBS he would gladly attend an honors ceremony from the police department if it’s kept private.
As for those people who think they would have absconded with the money and enjoyed a posh vacation or bought a fancy new car — not so fast. The Lewisville police noted that walking away with the cash would, in fact, be a crime. People are required to do due diligence to return what they discover.
“We are one half of the equation, the police; the other half is the community,” Lewisville Police Chief Brook Rollins said.
Chris Morris is a US based veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience at many of the biggest digital news outlets. In addition to his activities as a writer, reporter and editor, Chris is also a frequent moderator and speaker at major conferences, including CES and South by Southwest.
The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither investment, tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities, enter into any loan, mortgage or insurance agreements or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.
You’re in.
Welcome to Moneywise! Keep an eye on your inbox for your first newsletter, free Warren Buffett investing guide, and full commenting access. Welcome to Moneywise! Keep an eye on your inbox for your first newsletter, free Warren Buffett investing guide, and full commenting access.
Money news that matters. Free in your inbox.
Join 250,000+ readers getting the money news that matters. Our free newsletter cuts through the noise. Plus get a free Warren Buffett investing guide.
