Couple finds $100,000 in cash while magnet fishing in NYC – and the police surprisingly told them to keep it

People often fish hoping for a big catch, typically expecting a few fish and pleasant weather. However, James Kane and Barbie Agostini fish to help the environment. As magnet fishers, they collect waste and other materials that don’t belong in the water, per The Guardian. Their social media “Let’s Get Magnetic” often showcases interesting finds, but recently they discovered their greatest catch yet—worth nearly $100,000, per Spectrum News.

Kane and Agostini were magnet fishing in Flushing Meadows Corona Park when they pulled up a safe. They began magnet fishing as a hobby during the pandemic. Despite the effort it requires, they find it thrilling, having previously discovered handguns, grenades, and other items. However, finding a safe was a jackpot. After 45 minutes, they pulled out a mucky, rusted old safe, which they managed to get out of the water, per PIX11 News.

The couple didn’t make anything of the find, assuming it to be an old and empty safe. “There was a hole at the bottom and I assumed it would be baggies and change and things like that,” Kane said. To their disbelief, there were stacks of hundred-dollar bills inside. “We pulled out and it was two stacks of freaking hundreds,” he exclaimed. Agostini wasn’t willing to believe her partner and assumed he was pranking her due to the previous nature of their finds. “I was like, ‘No, it’s not. I didn’t believe it till I saw the hundred dollar bills for myself,” she added.

The stacks of fortune covered in muck, water and other materials were still not theirs to keep yet. The couple contacted the authorities to share their discovery in case it was reported cash or stolen money. However, since there was no crime or record of the same, Kane and Angostini were allowed to take the humongous amount home with them. Agostini remarked, “I couldn’t believe it, I lost it!” The duo shared their experience and the moment in their vlog on YouTube.

The couple was beyond astonished by their incredible find. However, they felt it was well-deserved after years of hard work and goodwill. They plan to use the money to fulfill a lifelong dream. Agostini, who grew up without a home of her own, has always wished to have one in New York City for her family of five. With this windfall, they can now make that dream a reality.

This article originally appeared 3 months ago.