Not everyone would do what an Albuquerque teen just did. He found a bag full of $135,000 in cash near an ATM and turned it in.
It all started when the 19-year-old college student headed to the ATM for some cash to purchase socks for his grandpa. But while there, he saw a clear bag of money sitting near the machine.
He quickly took action.
According to KRQE, Romaniz called the number on the ATM, followed by the cops. It turns out that the subcontractor that was supposed to fill the ATM accidentally forgot the bag of money and left it behind in the open.
The bag contained over a hundred grand, around $135,000 in total.
That’s an amount that could make a serious difference in someone’s life. For many, it would mean paying off student loans, a mortgage, buying a new car, or simply being able to put food on the table.
A lot of people would have been tempted to run off with the money (and prayed they didn’t get into trouble), but that’s not what Romaniz did.
Romaniz, who studies criminal justice at Central New Mexico Community College and hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement, said he knew he had to do the right thing after finding the money.
“In the back of my head, I was just thinking about my parents, especially my mom. What she would do if I came home with the money and what she would do with her chancla to hit me,” Romaniz told the station.
Romaniz was recognized this week by Albuquerque Police Chief Mike Geier and Mayor Tim Keller at the police academy for his good deed.
“What a great opportunity for us to see some good in the community. With all the tragedies we see with young people, this really restores our faith in the community as well,” Geier said Romaniz’s actions.
Geier told KRQE that the teen will be invited to apply for a job as a public safety officer while he’s in school.
Romaniz was also presented with a $500 check from New Mexico electricity provider PNM, a gift card from a local restaurant, season tickets to the University of New Mexico Lobos football games and a signed football by former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher from ESPN radio.
“I did the right thing and I know my parents are proud and my family is proud as well,” he added.
Source: krqe.com, fox4news.com
