Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the sentencing of Victor Hetherington, former president of the Nogales Police Officers Association (NPOA), for embezzling more than $39,000 from the organization’s funds. Hetherington was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay full restitution. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the sentencing follows Hetherington’s guilty plea to computer tampering in connection with embezzlement activities that occurred between 2018 and 2023.
During his tenure, Hetherington used his position to make unauthorized withdrawals from the NPOA’s bank accounts. These transactions included transfers to personal accounts, paying credit card balances, dining expenses, gambling, and personal costs such as dental appointments. In a press release, The Attorney General’s Office noted the severity of the actions, stating, “This individual used his position of power to steal nearly $40,000 in funds meant to support his fellow Nogales law enforcement officers. It’s unacceptable.” Hetherington’s actions had a notable effect on the NPOA’s operational budget during this period.
Details show that Hetherington carried out as many as 689 unauthorized transactions over five years, a major factor that led to the criminal investigation. These transfers diverted more than half of the police association’s operating budget into Hetherington’s accounts, leaving the NPOA financially strained. Attorney General Kris Mayes emphasized that the office worked to hold Hetherington accountable and ensure the funds were returned to the Nogales Police Officers Association.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Annalisa Madsen of the Attorney General’s Office Special Investigation Section and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Matthew Ashton. Following the investigation, Hetherington was confronted with the charges and appeared before the Santa Cruz County Superior Court, where he was sentenced on November 10. He had entered a guilty plea on September 22, which led to the court’s decision to impose probation and order full restitution of the funds taken.
Documents related to the indictment and sentencing are available for public review.
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