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.
-
Phoenix police have increased patrols around a local mosque while detectives investigate an incident involving a pellet or paint gun from over the weekend. -
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office says hundreds of store clerks and businesses were caught selling tobacco to people under age 21 last fiscal year. -
Adelita Grijalva has been regularly meeting with tribal leaders from southern Arizona — the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation and Gila River Indian Community — and they’re all sharing the same thing, telling KJZZ: “DHS must consult with tribes. They’re not doing it now. This administration doesn’t honor sovereignty.’” -
A former Yuma Elementary School District employee pleaded guilty to two felonies after investigators discovered she embezzled $86,000. -
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks is facing a DUI charge after being arrested Friday morning in Scottsdale.
