Potter absconded the money at the bank; however, he did not not get ‘away’ with it. Oh, no one caught him with the money but he was forced to watch how goodness prevails. He knew full well what he did and he hoped it would put George Baily under; Instead, just the opposite happened. George was rescued spirtually and made to realize the true meaning of Christmas and the true meaning of helping our fellow man.
I like to think once Clarence got his wings he was able to sneak into Potter’s house, steal back the money, give it to Violet Bic who then ran off with Mr, Gower making his last years very happy.