Homeless man can keep $77,000 he found in Texas river
WHEN people are homeless, they are lucky if a passer-by throws them a bit of spare change in the street.
But when one homeless man in the US decided to visit a Texas park, he could not have expected how lucky he would be.
Timothy Yost found a bag full of money, but it was confiscated off him and a police investigation started into its origins.
But following a vote at Bastrop city council last night, the 46-year-old was told he could have the stash - worth an astonishing US$77,000 (A$77,345) - back.
According to the American-Statesman, Mr Yost's attorney Aleta Peacock said: "It is a great day for Bastrop; it is a great day for Mr Yost."
The homeless man went to wash his feet in the Colorado River in January when he came across the bag.
He decided to investigate further and kicked the bag, upon which it jingled.
Inside, the homeless man found a mound of South African coins and wet cash.
Mr Yost then took the bag of money to a bank, where he tried to swap the damp bills for fresh money.
However, the bank clerk became suspicious and called police.
The city of Bastrop then kept hold of the money while detectives tried to find the owner of the haul and see if a crime had occurred.
Speaking to Your News Now, Bastrop Police Chief Michael Blake said: "Under common law in Texas, typically if it is buried and we are not able to find the rightful owner for the funds within the prescribed time period, then the finder of the funds can petition to be awarded those funds."
However, Mr Yost was left having to celebrate his new-found wealth in prison.
He has since been jailed for public intoxication and criminal trespass.
