Honest cleaning clerk returns more than $1,000 to customer

McALLEN - The dry cleaning store clerk arrived at work Thursday morning to find a surprise ceremony honoring her for her honesty.

Jennifer Peña, 33, was so startled that she froze up and struggled to get her words out in English. Last week, Peña found $800 cash and a signed paycheck for about $700 in a pair of pants just dropped off by a customer at A-1 Cleaners and Alteration on the 2000 block of Nolana.

Peña, who has worked at the store for 2 1/2 years, immediately called the customer. His wife rushed back and claimed the money.

The couple also gave Peña a $50 reward.

Then on Thursday, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and other city officials surprised her with the ceremony and a framed certificate commending her actions.

Three television crews awaited her when she arrived at the shop.

Despite all the attention, Peña said she was just doing as her parents taught her, which meant being honest and returning the money. At the dry cleaning business, customers regularly leave major credit cards, Social Security cards and other important documents. Peña returns what she finds every time, said Diana Vargas, the business' manager.

"Jennifer is one of the honest employees we have, and we appreciate her," Vargas said.

Peña accepted the $50 reward and spent the money on her children, taking three young daughters - Ashley, 9, Maritz, 7, and Melina, 3 - out for dinner.

After the surprise ceremony - and her lunch break - Peña went back to work at the cleaners. Her English had come back to her.

"I speak English a little bit, but I couldn't speak English when they came," she said with a laugh.
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Zack Quaintance covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.