Vanessa Hickman Mugshot (Credit: public domain)
A top official with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office was arrested by U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents on Wednesday evening and faces two felony accusations, of controlling and trafficking stolen property.
Vanessa Hickman served as the state government division chief under Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. She was placed on administrative leave by Mayes’ office last Thursday after the office was contacted by the U.S. Postal Inspector’s office about an investigation into Hickman, according to Mayes spokesperson Richie Taylor. Mayes’ office “cooperated” with the investigation, Taylor said, and Hickman resigned from her position on Monday, though she is still listed on the agency’s website.
“Attorney General Mayes believes that every individual is entitled to due process, but also that justice must be served,” Taylor wrote in an email to Phoenix New Times. “The allegations against Ms. Hickman are serious for any state employee, particularly someone in a leadership position.” (Read more: Phoenix New Times, 11/20/2025) (Archive)
UPDATE – 11/21/2025
Vanessa Hickman, the former Arizona Attorney General’s Office state government division chief who was arrested Nov. 19 by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, is accused of stealing and selling misdelivered mail. Court documents also show that she has a history of alcohol abuse and was in an outpatient substance abuse program while working for Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Hickman faces two felony accusations for controlling and trafficking stolen property. She was placed on administrative leave by Mayes’ office last Thursday after the office was contacted by the U.S. Postal Inspector’s office about an investigation into Hickman. Mayes spokesperson Richie Taylor said the Mayes’ office cooperated with the investigation and that Hickman resigned from her position on Monday. Taylor wrote that “the allegations against Ms. Hickman are serious for any state employee, particularly someone in a leadership position.”
Editor’s note: For new details on Vanessa Hickman’s arrest, check out this follow-up story.