Arkansas Woman Arrested for Keeping $20K Mistakenly Deposited

An Arkansas woman faces legal issues after allegedly keeping nearly $20,000 mistakenly deposited into her account by her employer. The incident occurred due to a payroll error at her in-home care company job.

Payroll Error Leads to Unexpected Deposit

Rene Nichole Coleman was employed with an in-home care company when a payroll glitch resulted in her receiving $1,650 per hour instead of her usual $16.50. This mistake added an extra $19,388 to her account on May 10, 2025.

Legal Consequences for Not Returning Funds

Coleman’s employer attempted to recover the funds, but reports indicate she refused. Subsequently, the company filed a theft report after she allegedly declined to return the money.

Arrest and Charges Follow

Coleman claimed she spent the money on her husband's semi-truck repairs. A warrant for felony theft was issued when she failed to discuss the matter with detectives as agreed. She was later arrested in connection with another warrant on April 6.

After arrest, Coleman admitted spending the money accidentally and stated she tried to repay her employer. She now faces charges of theft involving more than $5,000 but less than $25,000 — a Class C felony in Arkansas — with bond set at $15,000.

As of April 10, Coleman was not in custody, implying she might be free until her court appearance on May 18.