‘Times are hard’: Man says he forgives suspect who stole his stimulus check

NEW CANEY, Texas – A Montgomery County man is facing serious charges after he was accused of stealing an elderly man’s stimulus check in New Caney, deputies said.

Deputies said just after 10 p.m. Wednesday a Montgomery County Precinct 4 deputy on patrol in the Peach Creek Forest Subdivision spotted a man going through mailboxes.

Deputies said the man, who has been identified as Jason Dunn, was stopped and found in possession of meth in addition to a $400 check from Lone Star College made out to someone besides the suspect. He was also found with a stimulus check for $1,200.

According to deputies, the man told authorities it was his cousin’s check. Deputies went to the address on the check and learned it belonged to a disabled elderly man who had been expecting the check.

Albert McDowell said he thought that it was lighting outside of his window when the constable deputies showed up.

McDowell said that he has been staying inside the house because he is high-risk for COVID-19. He said he didn’t know the suspect but he felt bad for him.

"I’m not really angry. Times are hard, you know,” McDowell said.

McDowell said that he wasn’t going to let the suspect off of the hook entirely, but he forgives him.

“I filed charges on him because I don’t want him to do it again but do forgive him,” McDowell said.

After additional investigation, deputies said they located the person who was the rightful owner of the $400 check. It was a college student also waiting for his check.

Dunn was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and theft of mail from the elderly a third-degree felony.


About the Authors:

Prairie View A&M University graduate with a master’s degree in Digital Media Studies from Sam Houston State. Delta woman. Proud aunt. Lover of the color purple. 💜

Emmy-winning journalist. Inquisitive. Sparkle enthusiast. Coffee-fueled, with a dash of sass.