January 23, 2026 – NEVADA CITY, CA – Nevada County Sheriff’s Office officials report that a local Nevada City man who lost thousands of dollars while walking to his home now has it all back, thanks to a Good Samaritan.

On the morning of January 21, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) was contacted by the Good Samaritan who informed deputies he had found several personal possessions in the front yard of his Nevada City home, not belonging to anyone at his residence, along with loose cash scattered on his property, amounting to $6,270. (Photo depicts just some of the cash).

NCSO deputies were able to track down the rightful owner and learned his cash and items had been in a satchel, but it was left unsecured in error and had fallen out on his walk home. The man retraced his steps after realizing what had occurred but was unable to find his money and items.

The man’s family later communicated to NCSO that having everything returned in full was “a dream come true and prayers answered.”

NCSO would like to thank the Good Samaritan for this significant act of goodwill.

“The Good Samaritan serves as a reminder that doing the right thing doesn’t require recognition—only compassion and the willingness to act,” said Operations Captain Rusty Greene. “In a moment when it mattered most, he stepped up and showed how small choices can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Source & photos: Nevada County Sheriff’s Office