Business

Police Confiscate Waitress’s $12K Tip, Then Agree to Return It

  • A Minnesota mom was left a $12k tip by a customer
  • The waitress turned the cash over to the authorities who then told her she could have it back if no one claimed it in 90 days
  • Authorities told the waitress she might not get it back because a police dog detected the odor of drugs on the money

Authorities have decided to return a $12,000 tip to a Minnesota waitress that police believed was drug money.

Stacy Knutson of Moorhead, Minn., says a customer told her she could keep a takeout container left behind at the Fryn’ Pan restaurant. The box turned out to contain $12,000 in bills in various denominations.

Police Agree to Return Waitress Mysterious $12,000 Tip“Stacy Knutson believes the $12,000 tip that she received was left by someone in the community who knew her family had fallen on hard times,” the Daily Mail reports.

$12,000 dollars. Just let that sink in for a bit. What would you do? We know what the waitress (who is also the mother of five) did.

“…Knutson is so da** honest that she…turned the money over to the police, who took the money, and said they’d give it back to her in 90 days if nobody claimed it,” writes Gawker’s Hamilton Nolan.

And although the Police initially told her she could keep the money if no one claimed it within 90 days (and nobody did), they reneged on their promise after a dog detected drug odors on the money.

Yep. It went from being pretty much the best tip in the world to impounded “drug money.”

Watch the CBS news update (at the 48 second mark):

Of course, Knutson could only take so much of this. The money was left for her, she was told to keep it, she did the honest thing by telling the police, and no one claimed it — it’s her money!

So she filed a lawsuit.

“I do know that the person gave me what was in that to-go bag,” Knutson wrote in the lawsuit. “Thus as I understand it, it is mine.”

She had even followed the diner to her car and tried to return the box o’ money but the lady said, “No, I am good, you keep it,” the lawsuit said.

On Thursday, after the case drew national attention, Assistant Clay County Attorney Michelle Lawson told reporters the money could not be tied to a criminal investigation, and that Knutson would get a check.

Well. Good. It’d be a cruel irony if she ended up not getting the money because she was honest about it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (79)

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  • omgfolks
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:22pm

    Mike, yes a lawsuit did assist in this girl getting the money back. Had the suit been allowed to continue the police and thos who determine to keep the money in the first place would have been looked at thoroughly. This would me that it would have been found out that wha they were doing was not right, that their actions actually had broken the law themselves and attempted to steal the money under the forfeiture laws. Thus they could have been jailed or loss their elected positions.

    Report Post »  
  • HotFixIt
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:17pm

    Where did the original cash money go? Why did she get a check instead of the actual money they took from her? Wouldn’t they just give her the money she gave them if there is no crime it is not evidence of anything there is no reason for them to actually KEEP IT!

    Report Post »  
    • brotherjohn
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:32pm

      Obviously, they wanted it to hurt as much as possible, i.e. making her turn over about half of it to the IRS.

      Report Post » brotherjohn  
    • mils
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:43pm

      would the police have given it back if Stacy had not contacted an attorney? nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
      not likely….

      Report Post »  
    • nmgene
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:39pm

      I got hassled by the Canadian border patrol because I had $3800 in cash on me. I was driving to Alaska where I was moving. They asked me if I had enough money to get to Alaska, when I told them how much I had they tried to take it from me. Saying it was drug money. I told them to back off that I was calling my attorney and the US counsel. They flustered around threatening me then finnally backed off and let me go.

      Report Post »  
    • Bloody Sam
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:39pm

      1. You can get a trained dog to ‘hit’ on any bill in anyone’s wallet today. They all have some contact with drugs at some point. Unless it is fresh from the Federal Reserve.
      2. If the police want the ‘drug money’ so bad, let them keep it. Just give the woman a different set of bills totaling $12,000. Or write he a check.

      Report Post » Bloody Sam  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:24pm

      Assuming it did actually test positive for significant amounts of drug residue, they’re not going to give her back the actual bills. Federal law requires that it be confiscated and logged as evidence.

      Report Post »  
    • Xyskalla
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:16pm

      @nmgene
      Next time, take most of the money in traveler’s checks. If they confiscate that, you can get new checks issued with a phone call, and you’re not out any money.

      Report Post »  
  • Skrewedretiree
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:16pm

    I’m glad she SUED! The actions of the government in this matter are what we come to expect these days. One more reason I vote the way I do, and that includes when the government wants more for “police and emergency services”. With all the confiscated property and money from INNOCENT people (who have to pay out of pocket to prove their innocence, if they can afford it!) the government should be rolling in dough. Instead, they always claim short funds and short staff. But in MY county, you ought to see the fancy houses and property the County Deputies have! I know- I worked in a job that took me through neighborhoods on a daily basis and I know who they are and where they live. One has to wonder where the money went….Sarcasm intentional.

    One question: Has this shown up on the State Controlled media, or is this another Blaze exclusive?

    Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • Lotus503
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:11pm

    Haven’t the police ever heard about how money is contaminated by drugs during circulation?

    Have a look at these:

    http://www.snopes.com/business/money/cocaine.asp

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contaminated_currency

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1241775/Every-British-bank-note-contaminated-cocaine-weeks-entering-circulation.html

    I guess that the cops are going to want to seize four out of every five bills because of drug contamination….

    Report Post »  
  • jwcoopusa
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:02pm

    Quit posting pages that automatically start videos! Little more annoying than to be scrolling thru a long page and somewhere, a video starts that has nothing to do with what you’re looking for!

    Report Post » jwcoopusa  
  • KidCharlemagne
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:02pm

    Before Nixon’s (and later Reagan) War On Drugs, the Constitution would have protected us from acts such as this (and would have been considered an act of Communism, actually).

    Now though, this kind of stuff is simply commonplace and we don’t think anything about it anymore when the State routinely trashes the 5th Amendment:

    —————————————————————
    “The Forfeiture Racket
    Police and prosecutors won’t give up their license to steal.
    Radley Balko from the February 2010 issue

    Over the past three decades, it has become routine in the United States for state, local, and federal governments to seize the property of people who were never even charged with, much less convicted of, a crime. Nearly every year, according to Justice Department statistics, the federal government sets new records for asset forfeiture. And under many state laws, the situation is even worse: State officials can seize property without a warrant and need only show “probable cause” that the booty was connected to a drug crime in order to keep it, as opposed to the criminal standard of proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Instead of being innocent until proven guilty, owners of seized property all too often have a heavier burden of proof than the government officials who stole their stuff.”
    http://reason.com/archives/2010/01/26/the-forfeiture-racket

    Report Post »  
    • Justthefactsmam
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 4:52pm

      You are right about one thing. Nixon coined the term “War on Drugs”, however it was just a continuation of efforts from when drugs were first made illegal in 1914…

      Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
  • ProbIemSoIver
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:59pm

    Man, I love studying Law.

    I have already learned a plethora of information in 7 months.

    This story is a perfect example of why people should file a notice to their local, state and federal government disclosing your fees.
    It is called a fee schedule, and you can be compensated for every second that your rights are violated.
    This woman’s rights were violated. She could have sued for the amount that her schedule demanded.
    It is an ultimate fact that the state would have to have probable cause to seize this money lawfully, and have prove without a reasonable doubt that it was obtained unlawfully.
    Also a Federal Reserve Note clearly states that it is an instrument that is for public and PRIVATE debts.
    Therefore, the Government has no business regulating a private transaction without solid probable cause of an unlawful impropriety, and evidence to substantiate a claim.
    Any Local or State Statute that allows seizure of money due to quantity, is an Unconstitutional Statute in direct violation of the 4th Amendment.
    Better hope you don’t #uck with me, Powers that be !!!!!
    Back me into a maritime/admiralty statutory jurisdiction corner and see what happens !!!!
    Any lawyers out there that want to debate me about this ?

    Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:58pm

    Oh…. I’m so glad she was able to keep the money!

    Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:28pm

      good to hear this!!
      The fact that there are generous/honest people around, not about the rotten cops.
      Of course the gov will now take their share..I‘ don’t know that I would have been so honest..i just don’t know for sure. The money was left of purpose, it was not “found”..it was a gift..

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:43pm

    If the cops keep the money then there will be a big party at the cop shop or a bunch of new cop toys and that drug tainted money will be right back in circulation.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
    • mercenary4freedom
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:28pm

      We’ve got those down here in Volusia county Fl, they sit along I-95 profiling and pull over suspected drug couriers, sieze their cash and buy themselves new sheriffs uniforms, cruisers, new gadgets, weapons, throw themselves big parties on Daytona Bch with the millions of dollars illegally siezed.

      They are as crooked as the day is long!

      An older story, but gives a vivid outline of the corruption

      http://www.fff.org/freedom/1093c.asp

      Report Post » mercenary4freedom  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:40pm

    Don’t worry cops, uncle Sam will get most of it. Then you‘ll get it all back via Obama’s stimulus.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:22pm

    If there’s a pile of cash it must be ill gotten according to cops,no possible way it could be legit.The war on drugs has made most police departments nothing more than collection agencies,they see a pile of cash and it must be drug related so we‘ll confiscate it to keep the war on drugs going even though we can’t win it.

    The lady should be able to keep the cash and the hogs at the IRS will have there filthy hands on it soon enough.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:19pm

      Funny…ill gotten money? That sounds like the money the Government steals from us then gives to the Unions and calls it a “Stimulus”. I guess they would know crooked money when they see it……

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • rawmilker
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:39pm

      The elite globalist money changers are pushing for a cashless society where they implant a micro chip that controls all our transactions. Break the law, owe the IRS, suspected of wrong doing…..they shut down your micro chip.

      Report Post » rawmilker  
  • PointBreak
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:21pm

    The cops should have kept the money to teach that moron a lesson about the police – they are NOT there to help, they are NOT your friends and they are NOT to be trusted. Some people spend far more learning that same lesson. I did. Never broke the law but it cost me 15K in attorneys’ fees, a week in jail where I almost died, 3 years of sleepless nights wrapped up in the legal system and a severe beating – all to find out that I was in fact, NOT breaking the law, should NOT have been arrest and WAS telling the truth. Record expunged, cops apologized, property returned – lesson learned.

    Report Post »  
  • Taquoshi
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:06pm

    Paging Ms. Knutson, paging Ms. Knutson….the IRS is holding for you on Line 2.

    Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:58pm

    Barry O to Police,”How dare that measly 12 g’s sit there in the evidence locker…give that woman her money back so we can get our ‘fair share’”

    Report Post » Mark0331  
  • cuinsong
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:53pm

    These blood sucking officials will take your last penny if they can find a reason to keep it!
    The only reason they returned it was that it would cost more to go to court then to give it up!
    Its a sad fact but true these days are filled with hate & greed for the love of money!
    This song is about what’s inside our hearts called “The Devils Song”
    http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_10789987

    Report Post » cuinsong  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:51pm

    It’s a shame that we permit our policemen to “confiscate” things without due process. it’s a violation of natural rights for them to do so. ANd it encourages them NOT to address crime, but to profit therefrom.

    Bad policy comes from bad government.

    Report Post »  
  • MomaGrisley2
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:46pm

    ALL MONEY has drug residue on it. This smells like one of those fake dog hits that gets the police dept. forfeiture money.

    Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:11pm

      Got to agree with you on that one. Not sure they didn’t, but there should be a lot more forensic investigation to back that claim up. The department certainly did not publicly defend their side.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:45pm

    They only gave it back because of the backlash they were getting, as well they should have!

    Report Post »  
  • Deepdiver58
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:43pm

    It is a shame that you need to get national media coverage in order to make someone do the right thing.

    Good for Ms. Knutson.

    Report Post » Deepdiver58  
  • USPATRIOT101
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:41pm

    Of course now the IRS will be hounding this woman for their “fair” cut. Next time , shut up and go to the grocery store, and after that buy those kids some cloths.

    Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • mickgringo
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:49pm

      A tip’s a tip… Uncle Sam always gets his cut. That’s why I never leave my hard earned, ill gotten caysh with the waitress. she doesn’t need the hassle. Stacy, still waiting on my Black Russian.. getting thirsty over here!

      Report Post » mickgringo  
    • silverhalo
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:03pm

      @mickgringo:
      When you DON’T tip, you are hurting the server because she/he still has to claim 20% of the sales for the shift. The waiter ends up paying for YOU to eat there. The waiter has to pay taxes on 20% of YOUR bill and then they have to tip the cooks, and the one that buss the tables, and the people that seat you. YOU are taking away from their pocket everytime you don’t tip or under tip! STILL SO PROUD OF YOURSELF FOR NOT TIPPING?

      Report Post » silverhalo  
    • chips1
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:19pm

      SILVERHALO:
      I thought that the government raised the minimum wage so that we don’t have to tip. I now only tip when the watress is doing a special job. Not many young people want to earn tips.

      Report Post »  
    • silverhalo
      Posted on April 7, 2012 at 9:45am

      @chips1:
      You better think again! Waiters DO NOT make minimum wage! Kids at fast food resturants do, but not grown people in a real resturant. Call ANY cafe/resturant and just ask them how much the waiters make per hour and you will start to tip again. The minimum wage for waiters is $2.13!

      http://wiserwaitress.com/the-menu/wage/

      Report Post » silverhalo  
  • PoliticalTs.com
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:39pm

    What a great story. She certainly deserves the money.

    So does thie guy in this video, it is so good, you should send him 12 grande if you watch it.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDPHb2RXI4

    Report Post »  
  • mickgringo
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:38pm

    Drug sniffing dogs and twelve large left in a to-go container… let‘s hope she doesn’t roll it up and let it go to smoke… Stacy, where’s my Black Russian? I’ll take that to go, please….

    Report Post » mickgringo  
  • rsanchez1
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:37pm

    How much money has passed through drug dealers’ hands? You can find some drug residue on just about every dollar bill, more so on larger denominations which would be used for a $12,000 tip. It was bogus that they would decide to keep it after a dog smelled drugs on it, especially after the lady did the honest thing and turned the money in to the police. They promised her it’s her money after 90 days, and then broke their promise.

    Glad it turned out great for the lady in the end.

    Report Post »  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:36pm

    “….they reneged on their promise after a dog detected drug odors on the money.”
    ==================
    Did this odor come from the drugs in the evidence room of the police station? Just wondering.

    “….and that Knutson would get a check.”
    ==================
    Well, she has to pay taxes on it now so she’s still going to get bamboozled.

    Report Post » moreteaplease  
  • Brizz
    Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:36pm

    If only the bailout money got equal scrutiny.

    Report Post » Brizz  
    • chips1
      Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:23pm

      OR, Obama’s stash. Enough there to kill the dog!!!

      Report Post »  
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