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Verify | Yes, it's illegal to take money that has fallen off an armored vehicle

In fact, you could be charged with a felony if you’re caught

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bystanders grabbed over $100,000 in cash that fell from an armored truck in west Charlotte Thursday morning, police said.

Police appear to still be looking for portions of the missing money. A lot of people on social media are poking fun at the situation saying they wish they were there when it happened.

But CMPD is calling the people who took the cash “suspects" and the missing $100,000 is classified as a “theft.”

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THE QUESTION

 Is it illegal to keep money that has fallen off an armored truck? 

THE ANSWER

Yes, it is illegal to take money that has fallen off an armored truck. In fact, you could be charged with a felony if you’re caught.

This is true.

OUR SOURCES

  • CMPD
  • The North Carolina General Assembly
  • Attorney Gary Mauney

WHAT WE FOUND

A police report filed by CMPD classifies this open investigation as a “felonious larceny," meaning the theft of personal property that can be punished with prison time.

But isn’t this a matter of “finders keepers”? How is this any different from picking up a dollar bill on the sidewalk?

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Attorney Gary Mauney says it’s not the same thing.

And going back to our “dollar bill” example: picking up that dollar and just keeping it is actually illegal in the Tarheel State.

North Carolina law says taking lost property, including money, is considered theft if the finder does not make a reasonable effort to return the item to its rightful owner.

RELATED: Over $100k flies off an armored truck in Charlotte, bystanders grab cash, police say

WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.  

 VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.

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