According to reports, a payroll glitch turned a humble $16.50 paycheck into a very generous $1,650. Now, most people would pause, maybe blink twice, maybe call HR and say, “Hey, I think you added a zero or two.” Not Rene Nichole Coleman. She reportedly received a grand total of $19,338 in extra wages. That’s not a mistake anymore, that’s a whole side hustle courtesy of accounting.
Now, let’s be fair. Seeing extra money in your account is exciting. It’s like finding cash in your old jeans, except instead of $20, it’s enough to make you start browsing flights you can’t afford. The temptation is real. The silence? Even louder.
But here’s where things get awkward. The employer eventually noticed, because yes, companies do check their books. Shocking, we know. And when they asked for the money back, things didn’t exactly go smoothly.
Reports say Coleman refused to return the funds. Bold strategy. It’s like being handed someone else’s wallet and saying, “Well, it’s mine now.” That’s not how this works.
Next thing you know, the situation went from “payroll error” to “police involvement.” And just like that, the accidental bonus turned into an accidental arrest.
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.
At the end of the day, payroll glitches happen. Companies mess up. But when they do, there’s usually one expected response: give the money back. Not “let’s see how long this ride lasts.”
Now instead of enjoying a lucky break, Coleman is dealing with legal trouble. Which is a much less fun way to spend that extra cash.
