Man sought for questioning in theft from charity

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Sheriff's Office hopes you can help solve a theft involving a local charity.  

The victim is the Mission Of Hope, a more than 40-year-old charity that helps men with addictions.

Brother Jim Jordan made a heartbreaking discovery at the Mission of Hope office Monday morning.  Jordan, the charity’s Executive Director, needed to deposit $6,000 that was left over the weekend, but someone else beat him to the money.

"We don't usually keep that kind of money in the office. That was just a very unusual fluke, and the guy just happened to hit the jackpot," Jordan said.

Jordan described how the thief broke in through the kitchen window. Footprints were discovered in the narrow passageway outside. Once inside, the thief headed to a locked office.

"He picked this lock right here and after got inside he broke into a lockbox where the money was, $6,400," Jordan said.

He said the thief even dropped two $100 bills on his way out.

The theft is big financial hit for the Mission which is dedicated to helping men overcome addiction. He said it costs around $3,000 to put one man through their program, money that comes solely from donations.

"That was two men's programs right there, that's down the drain," Jordan said.

The Mobile County Sheriff's office is looking for Matthew Hawkins for questioning in connection with the theft.  Hawkins, like the other men at the mission, was receiving treatment. 

Jordan said the money was stolen on a Friday. The following Sunday, Hawkins was arrested for DUI after he'd gotten into an accident in the Irvington area.   

"We found out that he had a lot of money on him when he was arrested, and he had bought a lot of new things for his vehicle," Jordan explained.

Hawkins was able to sign his own bond to get out of jail on Wednesday for the DUI.  Now, investigators are looking for him for questioning about the theft. 

"We want this guy caught," Jordan said.

The sheriff's office says Matthew Hawkins drives a beige-colored Ford Ranger.  It has a tag on the front that says "Big Hawk." Investigators believe the vehicle has damage from the wreck last week.

If you have any information about Hawkins call the Mobile County Sheriff's Office at 574-8633.