A Louisiana man has made headlines after being awarded the largest unclaimed property check in the state’s history. On February 6, 2026, James Willet, 62, received a check exceeding $320,000 at a presentation held by the Logansport Chamber of Commerce. The funds, confirmed by Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, are a result of Willet being the rightful owner of dormant assets that had been turned over to the state.
During the event, Fleming expressed his excitement about the milestone, noting that this presentation marked the largest unclaimed property check ever issued by a Louisiana State Treasurer. In addition to Willet’s substantial check, a second check was presented, which allocated nearly $80,000 for a trust benefiting Willet’s son.
Fleming took the opportunity to highlight the successes of the Louisiana Treasury’s unclaimed property program. Each year, businesses are required to transfer millions in unclaimed funds to the state, which can include payroll checks, insurance proceeds, stocks, and bonds. Such funds are classified as dormant until claimed by the original owner or their heirs.
The Louisiana State Treasury holds over $1.2 billion in unclaimed property, as reported by Fleming, who added that approximately one in six residents in Louisiana has unclaimed assets. He encouraged citizens to check their eligibility, stating, “It is your money; we want you to claim it.” The average claim amount is estimated at $900, making Willet’s windfall an exceptional case.
Willet, a resident of Shreveport, is the owner and manager of Gators and Friends, an alligator park and exotic animal zoo located in Greenwood, Louisiana. He opened the attraction with his wife, Olga, in 2006. The couple has now experienced a remarkable financial boost thanks to the state’s unclaimed property program.
Residents interested in finding out if they are owed any unclaimed funds can visit the official state website, UnclaimedProperty.LA.gov. Since its inception, the program has successfully returned nearly $900,000 to residents, demonstrating its significant impact on the community.
The presentation of Willet’s check serves as a reminder of the importance of claiming unclaimed property and the financial resources available for residents in Louisiana.
