Originally Syndicated on May 15, 2024 @ 12:18 pm
Robert Wickboldt III, who manages investment strategies at Essex Investments in the financial industry, is being investigated for allegedly cashing big failed checks.
Accusations Against Robert Wickboldt III: Bouncing Large Checks
At the Houston Zoo’s February Gala, a guy called Robert Wickboldt III, who was unknown to the attendees, caused a sensation by bidding on multiple things in the silent auction.
Despite wearing a black T-shirt and a gray sport coat, he successfully bid on things such as a sea lion-created painting and animal photo opportunities, eventually signing two checks totaling $5,000.
Wickboldt, 37, was invited to the $100-per-ticket gala after contributing $50,000 to the zoo the day before. However, a few days later, the bank announced that his checks were worthless. Wickboldt is currently being sought by authorities after being charged with forgery. The zoo’s management has decided not to comment on the incident.
It’s puzzling why Wickboldt, a convicted felon, would try to befriend Houston’s elite, especially given he appeared to benefit nothing from submitting a large check to the organization.
Wickboldt’s father expressed surprise, implying that his son may simply want to be a part of a crowd, and cautioning that attempting to counterfeit a $50,000 check is likely to result in arrest.
Son Steals Dad’s Identity
Description: Robert Wickboldt, a resident of West Virginia, revealed that his son had a history of stealing and had taken over $25,000 using his identity. Wickboldt expressed shock and sadness, stating that his son’s actions had torn their family apart.
Since he was 20 years old, Wickboldt’s son has been in and out of jail for various crimes including theft, forgery, and auto theft. One notable incident occurred when he tried to use a fake American Express Black card in Houston at the age of 22, with the name of media mogul Rupert Murdoch on it. It seems that the people he encountered didn’t believe he was the CEO of NewsCorp.
In 2006, a member of a Houston club reported his wallet and Rolex stolen from his locker. Shortly after, it was discovered that Wickboldt’s son had used the stolen credit card at a department store downtown, purchasing cologne and cosmetics worth $240.
These incidents were not isolated, as a similar theft had occurred in 2001. Wickboldt’s son was found guilty in both cases.
Recently Paroled
Robert Wickboldt III, who was arrested in 2007 after evading police in a stolen car, was deemed mentally incompetent while awaiting trial. After five months of regaining competency, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Recently, he was granted parole after his sentence was reduced.
Robert Wickboldt III Accused of Donating $50,000 with Fake Checks to Houston Zoo
A 35-year-old man named Robert Wickboldt III faces charges of forgery after allegedly donating $50,000 to the Houston Zoo using counterfeit checks. The zoo director reported that Wickboldt offered her a $50,000 check on February 3 and attended a gala for donors. He also wrote two more checks totaling over $5,000 during the event.
Upon discovering that all three checks were fraudulent, the zoo director contacted the authorities. A bank representative confirmed that the checks were fake, with incorrect account and routing numbers.
Wickboldt was identified from a photo lineup by the zoo director and is now facing a $100,000 bail.
Conclusion
In Houston, Texas, Robert Wickboldt III allegedly provided the Houston Zoo with three checks totaling over $55,000. However, upon attempting to deposit the funds, the zoo discovered that the accounts linked to the checks did not exist. Wickboldt now faces forgery charges.
He initially offered to donate $50,000 over the phone, then presented a check during a meeting. Later, at a gala, he used two more checks to pay for auction items. While the exact motive remains unclear, this incident underscores the importance of waiting for checks to clear before spending the funds. – Ruth McCambridge
