Homeless man allowed to keep $77,000 he found on riverbank

06-13-2012 • www.statesman.com

Yost will receive the money — 70 $100 bills and 40 Krugerrand gold coins from South Africa — within 48 hours. "There are a lot of things I would like to advise him to do, but as legal counsel we have boundaries. We will ensure he gets his money and also ensure his personal safety," Peacock said.

Although no one was present to claim the money, one man did contact police in May with a credible claim, said Police Chief Michael Blake. However, the man withdrew his claim to the money. "He just pulled out," Blake said.

At the time, Blake said the man presented police with "unique facts and knowledge" that gave credence to his claim that he was the owner of the money.

City Attorney Jo Christi Brown told the council that Bastrop police Detective Tamera Brown investigated the origins of the money and found no evidence that it had been involved in any crimes such as a robbery or the sale of illegal drugs.

Yost, 46, said he found the coins and cash at Fisherman's Park. He told police he was on his way to wash his feet in the river when he spotted a bag. When he kicked it, it made the sound of jingling coins. When he looked into the bag, he saw gold coins and wet money.

According to a police report, Yost went to First National Bank and tried to exchange the wet money for dry. When the teller told him the money couldn't be exchanged until it was dry, he left. The teller then called the police.

Officers found Yost, who showed them where he found the money. Police gave him a claim receipt and sent him on his way.

Police kept the money in the department's evidence room for 30 days. On March 1, police placed an official notice in the newspaper. If no one claimed it within 90 days, a property hearing to determine the rightful owner was the next step.

"The city wishes Mr. Yost the best of luck," said Mayor Terry Orr.