A 50-year-old senior care worker in Jonesboro, Arkansas, faces theft charges after failing to report a payroll mistake that boosted her hourly wage to $1,650. Rene Nichole Coleman allegedly pocketed nearly $20,000 from Superior Senior Care, her in-home caregiving employer.
The Payroll Error
Coleman earned $16.50 per hour at the company, located north of Memphis. On May 10, a glitch during payroll processing inflated her rate dramatically. For a 12-hour shift, she received $19,388 instead of the expected amount.
Employers discovered the error and demanded repayment. Officials state Coleman refused and had already spent the funds on repairs to her husband’s semi-truck.
Investigation and Arrest
Superior Senior Care filed a theft report with Jonesboro Police Department in August, providing financial records. A detective contacted Coleman, who agreed to discuss the issue but failed to appear at the station.
Authorities issued a warrant, leading to her arrest on April 4. She posted bond of $15,000. Two days later, Coleman updated her social media, stating: “Yes Lord I am free.”
Legal Consequences
Coleman faces one count of theft between $5,000 and $25,000, a Class C felony. If convicted, she risks three to ten years in prison or a $10,000 fine. She has not entered a plea.
Her arraignment is set for May 18 before Craighead County District Judge David Boling. It remains unclear whether Coleman still works at Superior Senior Care.
