Chick-fil-A Worker Returns $10K Cash Left in Restroom: 'That's Not What Jesus Would've Done'

The 18-year-old employee says his faith guided his decision to turn in the money rather than keep it.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:30pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a Chick-fil-A restaurant interior, with warm pools of light and color reflecting off surfaces, creating a dreamlike, atmospheric quality that conceptually represents the inspirational story of an employee's honest actions.A Chick-fil-A employee's act of honesty and integrity in returning a significant sum of lost cash has inspired many, demonstrating the power of moral character even in the face of temptation.Kinston Today

Jaydon Cintron, an 18-year-old Chick-fil-A employee in Kinston, North Carolina, found two envelopes containing a total of $9,333 in cash left in the restaurant's restroom. Instead of keeping the money, Cintron brought the envelopes to his employer's human resources department, saying 'That's not what Jesus would've done.' The owner of the money later came forward to claim it, and Cintron initially declined a $500 reward before eventually accepting it.

Why it matters

Cintron's actions highlight the importance of honesty and integrity, even when no one is watching. His decision to return the lost money, rather than keep it for himself, is a testament to his strong moral principles and Christian faith. The story has resonated with many, serving as an inspiring example of doing the right thing in the face of temptation.

The details

On Good Friday morning, Cintron was taking his break when he found two envelopes containing $5,000 and $4,333 in cash on the floor of the men's restroom at the Chick-fil-A where he works. Instead of pocketing the money, Cintron immediately brought the envelopes to his employer's human resources department. When asked why he didn't keep the cash, Cintron said 'That's not what Jesus would've done. That's not what God would've wanted.' The restaurant's owner praised Cintron's 'true leadership' and 'true integrity' in doing the right thing, even when no one was watching.

  • On Good Friday morning, Cintron found the envelopes with cash in the restroom.
  • On Monday morning, the owner of the money came forward to claim the $9,333.

The players

Jaydon Cintron

An 18-year-old Chick-fil-A employee in Kinston, North Carolina, who found two envelopes containing a total of $9,333 in cash left in the restaurant's restroom and turned the money in to his employer's human resources department.

John McPhaul

The owner of the Kinston Chick-fil-A, who praised Cintron's 'true leadership' and 'true integrity' in doing the right thing.

Keith Goyette

The Kinston Police Chief, who said 'a lot of people will unfortunately take that money and run with it' but commended Cintron for his actions.

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What they’re saying

“That's not what Jesus would've done. That's not what God would've wanted.”

— Jaydon Cintron, Chick-fil-A employee

“Money is useless without character.”

— Jaydon Cintron, Chick-fil-A employee

“True leadership, true integrity is doing the right thing when no one's watching. And Jay did that in this case, and he should be commended for it.”

— John McPhaul, Owner, Kinston Chick-fil-A

What’s next

The restaurant will continue to search for the owner of the money in case they did not come forward, and Cintron may be recognized for his honesty and integrity.

The takeaway

Cintron's actions demonstrate the power of moral character and faith-based decision-making, even in the face of a significant financial windfall. His story has inspired many and serves as a reminder that doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is its own reward.