JONESBORO, Arkansas — A payroll mistake that turned a $16.50 hourly wage into an apparent $1,650-per-hour payment has led to a felony theft charge against a 50-year-old Jonesboro woman.

According to a probable-cause affidavit, Rene Nichole Coleman normally earned $16.50 an hour while working for Superior Senior Care.

On May 10, 2025, a payroll-system error reportedly caused her to be paid $1,650 per hour for a 12-hour shift.

The mistake resulted in an alleged $19,388 overpayment.

Employer demanded the money back.

Investigators said the employer discovered the payroll error and asked Coleman to return the money.

According to the affidavit, Coleman did not return the funds.

Police records indicate the company provided investigators with financial documents and emails supporting its claim.

Coleman reportedly told her employer that she had already used the money to help repair her husband’s semi-truck.

When investigators later contacted her, authorities said Coleman agreed to speak with them but failed to appear for the scheduled meeting.

A warrant was subsequently issued.

On April 6, 2026, authorities were notified that Coleman had been taken into custody.

She was charged with theft of property valued at more than $5,000 but less than $25,000, a Class C felony under Arkansas law.

A judge set her bond at $15,000 cash or surety.

Court records reported her next court appearance was scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Authorities say that Coleman knowingly kept money that did not belong to her after her employer discovered the mistake and sought repayment.

Coleman has disputed aspects of what happened, including telling investigators that she had not initially noticed the overpayment and that she later attempted to work out repayment.

The case will now be decided in court, where prosecutors will have to prove the theft allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.