Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Another suspect has been arrested in connection with an investigation in which thousands of dollars were lost as part of a Jonesboro bank fraud scheme.
Roniash Smith, 37, of Jonesboro, appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler on March 2, who found probable cause to charge her with three felonies:
- Second-degree forgery (Class C felony)
- Theft $25,000 or more – all others (Class B felony)
- Engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise (Class A felony)
The arrest comes over one year after Jonesboro police began their investigation on Jan. 24, 2025, into significant fraudulent activity that occurred at Arvest Bank between Nov. 14, 2024, and Feb. 7, 2025. The probable cause affidavit states that at least 65 accounts were fraudulently opened, resulting in over $200,000 in losses.
Smith was listed as a principal suspect, allegedly working with eight other people, and opened checking accounts at the bank in-person. Police said she would then provide her account details and debit card to the suspects, they would deposit fraudulent checks into the accounts, and before the bank could identify the fraudulent activity, Smith and the other suspects would take the stolen funds out.
Smith is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond in the Craighead County Detention Center and was ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor upon release. Her next scheduled court appearance is April 23.
Smith is the twelfth person arrested in connection with the case. JRN previously reported that Randy Wooten was arrested Aug. 11, 2025, and was given a $100,000 cash-only bond as well.
