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Arkansas Woman Arrested in Alleged $19K Payroll Overpayment Theft

The case shows Arkansas treats large payroll overpayments as potential felony theft.

Overview

  • Rene Nichole Coleman was arrested Monday, April 6, on an outstanding warrant and charged with Class C felony theft, with bond set at $15,000 and a court date on May 18.
  • Police records say a payroll error on May 10, 2025, paid her $1,650 per hour for a 12-hour shift instead of $16.50, creating an alleged $19,388 overpayment.
  • Superior Senior Care reported the issue to Jonesboro police and supplied financial records and emails that investigators cited in a probable-cause affidavit.
  • An incident report says she told her employer she spent the money on repairs for her husband's semi-truck, and police say she later said she did not pay attention and tried to offer repayment.
  • Arkansas law classifies theft between $5,000 and $25,000 as a Class C felony, so employers can pursue criminal charges in addition to seeking repayment.