Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, a former official in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, allegedly stole a misdelivered bracelet and then sold it on online marketplace Poshmark.

Phoenix—A former official in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been charged with trafficking stolen jewelry.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home, according to a local news report by Arizona Family.

On May 31, the United States Postal Service delivered a package containing $40,000 worth of jewelry to Hickman’s condo that was intended for her neighbor, as per the report.

When her neighbor didn’t receive her package, she filed a complaint with USPS, which prompted postal inspectors to investigate.

When visited by the inspectors, Hickman told them she received a lot of packages because she runs a home business as a seller on online marketplace Poshmark. They requested she look for this specific package.

She returned the package to inspectors on July 3, but officials said it was wrapped in “excessive tape” and a $2,400 diamond bracelet from Costco was missing.

Authorities said that, before returning the package, Hickman sold the bracelet through her Poshmark account for $750.

Hickman served as the state government division chief under Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

In a statement from the Attorney General’s Office emailed to National Jeweler, a spokesperson said Hickman was placed on administrative leave on Nov. 13 and resigned on Nov. 17.

The Attorney General’s Office said it has cooperated with the U.S. Postal Inspector’s investigation.

“Attorney General Mayes believes that every individual is entitled to due process, but also that justice must be served. The allegations against Ms. Hickman are serious for any state employee, particularly someone in a leadership position,” said the spokesperson.

Hickman was arrested on Nov. 19 and has been charged with one count each of trafficking stolen property, a second-degree felony, and theft, a fifth-degree felony, as per a local KTAR report.

She was released on her own recognizance with her next hearing set for Dec. 4.