This Florida receptionist was accidentally paid $400K of someone else’s salary — but she was just arrested. Report says she thought it was a ‘bonus’ for her work. Whose side are you on?

The error went unnoticed until the Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s CFO discovered the issue and flagged it with their payroll provider, Harbor America. But what’s even more shocking is how long the payroll error went unnoticed — even the veterinarian who was supposed to be making $450,000 a year only noticed when her credit cards declined.

Arrua, a nine-year clinic employee who even knew the company’s president, is now at the center of a criminal investigation — and it was that same president who ultimately called the police.

Payday gone wrong

The Palm Beach Equine Clinic, a full-service veterinary facility specializing in horse care, has been a staple in Florida's equestrian community since it opened in 1981. The clinic is led by President Dr. Scott Swerdlin and employs many professionals dedicated to animal health.

According to the Daily Mail, Arrua once shared her lifelong connection to animals on the clinic’s website, saying, “I have been around horses since I was three years old. Both my parents have been working with horses since before I can remember.”

But while her passion for animals appeared genuine, Arrua allegedly noticed she was being overpaid and instead of reporting the error, she went on a luxury shopping spree.

The report details purchases at high-end retailers like Coach and Michael Kors, purchases at restaurants and furniture stores, and thousands of dollars sent through Zelle to someone listed as “Mama Dukes.” Investigators also discovered that $80,000 went toward buying a food truck for a friend of her mother’s. Arrua also admitted to sending additional funds to Argentina to help build a house.