Originally Syndicated on February 22, 2024 @ 6:50 am
Robert Wickboldt III, who works at Essex Investments, was accused of cashing large checks that bounced. He’s responsible for managing the company’s investment plans in the finance industry.
Allegations Against Robert Wickboldt III for Bouncing Large Checks
At the February Gala of the Houston Zoo, chaos ensued when an unfamiliar face, Robert Wickboldt III, started bidding on almost every item in the silent auction. Sporting a black T-shirt and gray sport coat amidst the elegant affair, he caught the attention of the regular zoo event attendees.
Wearing an air of generosity, Wickboldt successfully bid on a painting by a sea lion and photo opportunities with various animals, all while mingling with aristocrats sipping blue cocktails. After winning, he wrote two checks totaling $5,000 and posed for society photographs alongside his “personal assistant.”
Surprisingly, Wickboldt had received an invitation to the $100 per ticket event due to a $50,000 check he had given to the zoo just the day before, claiming his intention was to support the animals. However, a few days later, a call from the bank revealed that his checks were worthless.
Accused of forgery, Wickboldt is now wanted by authorities, and the zoo’s management has refrained from commenting on the incident.
Son Steals Dad’s Identity for Over $25,000
Description: West Virginian Robert Wickboldt revealed that his son has a history of theft and has taken more than $25,000 using his identity. Wickboldt expressed his disbelief, stating that his son has caused significant harm to the family.
The son, Robert Wickboldt III, has a troubled history, having been in and out of jail since the age of 20 for various crimes, including theft, forgery, and auto theft.
One notable incident occurred when he attempted to use a fraudulent American Express Black card in Houston at the age of 22. The card had media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s name on it, though it seems someone doubted the young man’s claim to be the CEO of NewsCorp, a global giant.
In 2006, a member of a Houston club reported a theft from his locker, including his wallet and Rolex. When he discovered that his credit card had been used at a downtown department store, it was revealed that Robert Wickboldt III had spent $240 on cologne and cosmetics. This incident, along with a similar theft in 2001, led to Wickboldt III being found guilty of both club thefts.
Recently Paroled
Robert Wickboldt III, who was apprehended in 2007 after evading police in a stolen car, was determined to be mentally incompetent while awaiting trial. After five months, his competency was restored, leading him to enter a guilty plea and receive a 10-year jail sentence.
Recently, Wickboldt was granted parole, following a reduction in his original sentence.
Man Accused of Using Fake Checks to Donate $50,000 to Houston Zoo
A 35-year-old man named Robert Wickboldt III is facing charges of forgery after allegedly donating $50,000 to the Houston Zoo using forged checks. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office received a report from a zoo director, stating that Wickboldt gave her a $50,000 check on February 3 and invited her to a benefactors’ gala. Wickboldt also wrote two more checks totaling over $5,000 at the event.
When the zoo director discovered that all three checks were invalid, she reported it to the authorities. A bank representative confirmed that the checks were fake, with incorrect account and bank routing numbers. Wickboldt was identified by the zoo director from a picture lineup, and he now faces a $100,000 bail in this case.
Summary
In Houston, Texas, Robert Wickboldt III is facing forgery charges after allegedly giving the Houston Zoo three checks totaling more than $55,000. The zoo initially believed the funds were valid, but the bank later revealed that the accounts on which the checks were drawn did not exist.
Wickboldt had offered to donate over the phone and later presented a $50,000 check at a meeting, leading to an invitation to a gala where he used two more checks for auction purchases. While the con’s details remain unclear, the incident serves as a reminder to wait for bank clearance before relying on funds. – Ruth McCambridge
