'Error': Arkansas Woman Who Makes $16.50 an Hour Accidentally Paid $1,650 an Hour and Refused to Return Paycheck, Police Say

An Arkansas business accidentally paid one of its employees $1,650 an hour rather than $16.50 an hour, and that staff member now faces a felony theft charge after refusing to return thousands of dollars in unearned compensation. Rene Nichole Coleman, 50, was charged with theft of more than $5,000 but less than $25,000, a Class C felony, KAIT reported. Coleman's former employer, the CEO of a business in Jonesboro, Arkansas, reported the theft on Aug. 12, 2025. According to a police affidavit, the company head told authorities that Coleman stole funds from the business. Coleman was reportedly only supposed to be paid $16.50 an hour. But on May 10, 2025, a glitch in the payroll system miscalculated Coleman's wage and paid her $1,650 an hour for a 12-hour shift. Coleman made off with $19,388 and never reported the check to management. '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.' When a detective called Coleman, she initially agreed to speak with him, but never showed up to her interview. Authorities issued a warrant for her arrest. Investigators were notified on April...

Source: https://atlantablackstar.com/2026/04/13/arkansas-woman-who-makes-16-50-an-hour-accidentally-paid-1650-an-hour-and-refused-to-return-paycheck-police-say/