Former Pine Bluff aide arrested over alleged $3,613 theft

Catrena Childress, 47, a former administrative assistant at Pine Bluff High School, was arrested and charged with felony theft after Arkansas State Police investigated missing school funds. Authorities allege she stole $3,613 while employed by the school district. The investigation began in October 2025 at the request of Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Hunter and remains ongoing. Childress was booked on a $2,500 bond; reports differ on whether she remains in custody, with one saying she posted bond and was released.