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Kinston Today
By the People, for the People
Chick-fil-A Employee Finds and Returns $10,000 in Bathroom
The 18-year-old worker says he wanted to do what Jesus would do.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:40pm
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A Chick-fil-A employee's act of honesty and faith inspires hope in the local community.Kinston TodayAn 18-year-old Chick-fil-A employee in Kinston, North Carolina, found nearly $10,000 in cash on the bathroom floor of the restaurant. Instead of keeping the money, he turned it in to the store's management, saying it was the right thing to do according to his Christian faith.
Why it matters
The story highlights the integrity and strong moral character of the young employee, Jaydon Cintron, who chose to return the lost money rather than keep it for himself. It also reinforces Chick-fil-A's reputation as a Christian-oriented company that promotes values-driven behavior among its staff.
The details
Jaydon Cintron found the money, which was divided between two bank envelopes containing $5,000 and $4,333, on the bathroom floor. He immediately turned the full $10,000 amount over to the store's management, explaining that keeping it would not align with his Christian beliefs and what he believes Jesus would have done. The Chick-fil-A owner tried to identify the customer who lost the money but was unsuccessful, until the rightful owner came forward a few days later. Jaydon initially declined a $500 reward offered by the owner, but eventually accepted it after being asked multiple times.
- On April 3, Jaydon Cintron found the money in the Chick-fil-A bathroom.
- By April 6, the owner of the lost money had come forward.
The players
Jaydon Cintron
An 18-year-old Chick-fil-A employee in Kinston, North Carolina, who found and returned $10,000 in cash that was left in the restaurant's bathroom.
John McPhaul
The owner-operator of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Kinston, who praised Jaydon Cintron's integrity and values-driven actions.
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
“We're grateful for Team Members like Jaydon who demonstrate integrity and a genuine care for others.”
— John McPhaul, Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator
“True leadership, you know, true integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching. Jaydon did that, in this case, and he should be commended for it.”
— John McPhaul, Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator
The takeaway
This story demonstrates the power of faith and integrity, even in the face of a significant financial windfall. Jaydon Cintron's actions, rooted in his Christian beliefs, have earned him praise and set an inspiring example of how to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
