Former Arizona AG Official Pleads Guilty to Stealing, Reselling Mail

Vanessa Hickman, ex-division chief under Attorney General Kris Mayes, faces deferred prison sentence

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Vanessa Hickman, a former division chief in the Arizona Attorney General's Office, has pleaded guilty to stealing and reselling misdelivered mail. Hickman, who is now referred to as Vanessa Daily following her divorce, accepted a plea agreement that includes a two-year deferred prison sentence and restitution payments to her victims.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues around public trust in government officials and the need for accountability, as well as concerns about mail theft and property crimes in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The details

Hickman was arrested in November for allegedly stealing a package containing over $40,000 in jewelry that was accidentally delivered to her Phoenix apartment. Prosecutors say she sold a $2,400 diamond bracelet from the package for $750 on her Poshmark account. Hickman initially denied having the package but later returned it, minus the missing bracelet.

  • In late May, Hickman received the misdirected package containing the jewelry.
  • In July, Hickman returned the package but a $2,400 diamond bracelet was missing.
  • In mid-November, postal inspectors informed the Arizona Attorney General's Office of their investigation.
  • Hickman was placed on paid administrative leave and resigned four days later, two days prior to her arrest.
  • On February 25, 2026, Hickman pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement.

The players

Vanessa Hickman

A former division chief in the Arizona Attorney General's Office who pleaded guilty to stealing and reselling misdelivered mail.

Kris Mayes

The Arizona Attorney General under whom Hickman served as a division chief.

Joshua Kolsrud

Hickman's lawyer, who declined to comment on the case.

Stasy Avelar

The Maricopa County Superior Court judge who will sentence Hickman.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

The federal agency that investigated Hickman's theft of the misdirected package.

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What they’re saying

“This decision was not made lightly, as my time at AGO has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. I've learned a great deal and will carry those experiences with me into the next chapter of my career.”

— Vanessa Hickman (Resignation letter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 1 whether to impose Hickman's proposed two-year deferred prison sentence or a different sentence.

The takeaway

This case raises concerns about the integrity of public officials and the need for strong oversight and accountability measures to prevent abuse of power and public trust.