Former chief in Arizona Attorney General's Office arrested on felony theft charges

A former high-level employee in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office was arrested Thursday on suspicion of felony charges of theft and trafficking stolen property.

Vanessa Hickman was the state government division chief counsel for the attorney general. She oversaw the chiefs who manage attorneys representing Arizona agencies.

But, last Thursday, Hickman was placed on administrative leave after the AG's Office was notified about an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspector.

“The Attorney General’s Office cooperated with their investigation. Ms. Hickman resigned on Monday,” Attorney General Kris Mayes’ spokesperson Richie Taylor said in a text.

As first reported by the Phoenix New Times, Hickman reportedly received a package which wasn’t meant for her and contained $40,000 worth of jewelry.

Hickman agreed to return the package, but a diamond bracelet was missing when she brought it in.

Hickman reportedly sold the bracelet online.

Hickman is also being sued in an unrelated case by Peoria, where she used to be the city attorney.

She left the city in 2023 and accepted a large severance package and other benefits, but the city claims those payments were made in error based on the terms of her contract.