Woman mistakenly paid $1,650 an hour refused to return money to employer, police say

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) – An Arkansas woman is facing a felony theft charge after police say she refused to return nearly $20,000 that her employer accidentally paid her due to a payroll glitch.

Rene Nichole Coleman, 50, is facing a felony theft charge after police say she refused to return nearly $20,000 that her employer accidentally paid her due to a payroll glitch.(Craighead County Sheriff’s Office)

Craighead County District Judge David Boling found probable cause Monday to charge 50-year-old Rene Nichole Coleman with theft of more than $5,000 but less than $25,000, a Class C felony.

The CEO of a Jonesboro business said on Aug. 12, 2025, that her former employee, Coleman, stole funds from her company, according to an affidavit.

The CEO said Coleman was normally paid $16.50 an hour, but on May 10, 2025, she was paid $1,650 an hour for her 12-hour shift due to a payroll system error. Coleman was overpaid $19,388, according to the affidavit.

“When the error was noticed, Coleman refused to pay back the money,” the affidavit said. “The victim provided financial documents and emails to support her claim.”

A detective called Coleman, and she agreed to speak to police but failed to show up. A warrant was issued for her arrest.

Investigators with Jonesboro Police were notified Monday that Coleman had been arrested on her outstanding warrant.

Coleman’s bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety. She is scheduled to be arraigned May 18.

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