Calif. bank workers fall ill from tainted money

Calif. bank workers fall ill from tainted money

MODESTO, CALIF. Six Modesto bank workers were hospitalized and a criminal investigation launched after a customer deposited a packet of money wrapped in a paper towel, authorities said.

Modesto Regional Fire Authority Division Chief Sean Slamon said hazardous material crews responded to the Chase Bank branch at Tully Road and Standiford Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. after workers experiences hives, itching, rashes and fevers.

"They were exposed to something," he said. "We just don't know what yet."

He said one monitor did detect the presence of a low-level toxic substance, but warned further investigation was needed and that those devices sometimes display "false positives."

Well that's one way to get everybody to use their debit card, taint the cash. Will be interesting to find out what the substance was, more, who this "customer" is that tainted it and the motive.

CBS Station KOVR reports police made contact with the bank customer and were questioning him at his home.

According to Slamon, the customer who brought in the large amount of cash wrapped in a paper towel did not seem interested in actually touching the money himself. Later Friday hazmat teams cleared the bank location, saying it was now safe.

Crazy times we live in!

reply to post by UberL33t


I wonder if all the cash was recovered or if some of it was circulated yet? The article doesn't say.

reply to post by Sissel


No it doesn't, they cleared the bank, but didn't say how much money was or could have been contaminated. I would hope they would have covered everything. The fact that they cleared the bank is reassuring....a little. Not knowing yet what the substance is/was or the guy's motive however is rather unnerving though.

Is it isolated to one bank and one nut job...probably should keep a keen eye and BOLO for similar reports I suppose.

Hurrah the end of the age of money is nigh!

Next currency for humanity: TIME?