Jose Nuñez Romaniz, a 19-year-old college student from Albuquerque, New Mexico, discovered a bag containing $135,000 in $50 and $20 bills near a Wells Fargo ATM while on a mission to buy socks for his grandfather. Despite the tempting situation, Nuñez never considered keeping the money. Concerned and unsure, he called the Albuquerque police, who confirmed that the money was mistakenly left outside the ATM by a bank subcontractor.

Nuñez’s decision to do the right thing garnered praise from the Albuquerque police, and the police chief presented him with a plaque in a ceremony. The community also rewarded his integrity – he received signed sports memorabilia, six season tickets for UNM football, and financial contributions from local businesses. Nuñez, who comes from a humble background with parents who immigrated from Mexico, expressed gratitude for the support and credited his upbringing for his moral compass.

The story reflects Nuñez’s commitment to integrity and his dream of becoming a crime scene investigator. Despite the unexpected windfall of good fortune, he remained focused on his responsibilities, finishing the online shopping for his grandfather. The incident has not only brought attention to Nuñez’s character but has also presented potential job opportunities in law enforcement, as he was invited to apply for a position as a public service aide at the police department.