In one of the most jaw-dropping payroll mix-ups of the year, a Florida receptionist has been arrested after authorities say she spent over $400,000 in overpaid wages, claiming she thought it was just a generous “bonus.”

🧾 From $60K to $450K Overnight

29-year-old Yessica Arrua, a receptionist at the Palm Beach Equine Clinic, was hired at a salary of $60,000. But due to a payroll error, she started receiving the $450,000 annual salary meant for a veterinarian.

Instead of reporting the issue, investigators say Arrua spent the unexpected windfall on luxury goods, furniture, and wire transfers including a $100,000 transfer to Argentina, where her mother is said to be building a house.

👜 Lavish Spending, “Bonus” Excuse

Arrua allegedly used the funds to live large:

• Designer bags from Coach and Michael Kors
• Expensive restaurant meals
• A brand-new food truck, bought for a family friend
• Thousands in Zelle payments to someone listed as “Mama Dukes”

When questioned, she reportedly claimed she thought the money was a bonus, citing rumors that her predecessor had received one.

But the story started to unravel when the unpaid veterinarian, whose salary Arrua had been receiving, noticed her credit cards being declined and flagged the issue.

🏦 Money Gone, Charges Filed

By the time the error was discovered in early 2023, over $414,000 had been mistakenly deposited into Arrua’s account.

Authorities say she admitted knowing about the discrepancy but chose to spend the money anyway. While roughly $200,000 remains unspent, Arrua confessed she can’t return the full amount, especially the portion sent overseas.

She now faces charges of grand theft and money laundering, and is currently being held at the Palm Beach Main Detention Center.

⚖️ A Costly Mistake

This incident highlights just how quickly a payroll oversight can spiral into a six-figure criminal case. Whether it was wishful thinking or willful ignorance, Arrua’s luxury spree is now turning into a legal nightmare.

As for the vet who was left unpaid? She’s reportedly still waiting for full reimbursement of her rightful salary.