Arkansas Woman Accused of Keeping $19K Mistaken Paycheck

Rene Nichole Coleman faces felony theft charge after refusing to return overpayment from employer

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled dollar bill against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting and shallow depth of field creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A stark visual metaphor for the legal and ethical challenges that can arise from a significant payroll error.Jonesboro Today

Rene Nichole Coleman, a 50-year-old Arkansas woman, is facing a felony theft charge after she allegedly refused to return nearly $20,000 that her employer, Superior Senior Care, mistakenly paid her. Coleman was accidentally paid $1,650 per hour for a 12-hour shift, resulting in an extra $19,388 landing in her account. When the company demanded the money back, Coleman claimed she had already spent it on fixing her husband's semi-truck.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges employers can face when dealing with payroll errors, as well as the potential legal consequences for employees who refuse to return mistaken overpayments. It also raises questions about financial responsibility and the obligations of workers when faced with an employer's mistake.

The details

According to a probable cause affidavit, on May 10, 2025, Coleman was mistakenly paid $1,650 an hour for a 12-hour shift at Superior Senior Care, an in-home care company in Jonesboro, Arkansas. This resulted in an extra $19,388 being deposited into her bank account. The company later caught the error and demanded the money back, but Coleman allegedly refused to return the cash. Superior Senior Care then filed a theft report with the Jonesboro police.

  • On May 10, 2025, Coleman was mistakenly paid $1,650 an hour for a 12-hour shift.
  • In August 2025, Superior Senior Care filed a theft report with Jonesboro police over the paycheck.
  • On April 6, 2026, Coleman was formally charged by Craighead County District Judge David Boling with theft involving more than $5,000 but less than $25,000, a Class C felony in Arkansas.
  • On April 6, 2026, Coleman was arrested on a separate outstanding warrant, not the felony theft charge.
  • Coleman is scheduled to appear in court on May 18, 2026.

The players

Rene Nichole Coleman

A 50-year-old Arkansas resident who is accused of keeping nearly $20,000 that her employer mistakenly paid her.

Superior Senior Care

An in-home care company in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where Coleman was employed and received the mistaken overpayment.

Craighead County District Judge David Boling

The judge who formally charged Coleman with a felony theft charge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't pay attention and spent money.”

— Rene Nichole Coleman

What’s next

Coleman's bond has been set at $15,000, and she is scheduled to appear in court on May 18, 2026. The case will now play out in the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of financial responsibility and the legal obligations of employees when faced with employer mistakes. It also underscores the challenges businesses can encounter when dealing with payroll errors and the potential consequences for workers who refuse to return overpayments.