HOUSTON – Deputies are looking for a Houston man accused of writing three forged checks for more than $55,000 to the Houston Zoo.
Robert Wickboldt, 35, is charged with forgery.
According to court documents, Wickboldt called the Houston Zoo on January 23, 2012, saying he wanted to make a donation.
On February 3, the director for development at the zoo met with Wickboldt. She told investigators Wickboldt handed over a $50,000 check, and because of the size of the donation, she invited him to a zoo gala the following day.
At the gala, investigators said Wickboldt wrote two more checks – for $425 and $4,725 – to purchase auction items.
On February 7, the director for development deposited all three checks. But three days later, she said she learned that the checks were bad.
The director told investigators that she saw photos in the Houston Chronicle of Wickboldt at the gala, and realized he was the same man who made the $50,000 donation.
Investigators said several guests at the gala also confirmed meeting Wickboldt.
On February 16, investigators said UBS Bank confirmed that the routing number and account number on Wickboldt’s three checks were not correct. In fact, they said they did not have an account in his name at all.
A warrant for Wickboldt was issued that same day, but as of Wednesday, he was not in custody.
Court records show Wickboldt has prior convictions of theft and evading arrest.
