Former Nogales police officer sentenced for embezzling from union

PHOENIX — A former Nogales police officer has been sentenced to four years of probation for embezzling from a law enforcement union, authorities announced Wednesday.

Victor Hetherington must also repay the money he stole while serving as president of the Nogales Police Officers Association, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Hetherington pleaded guilty to computer tampering between 2018 and 2023, during which he accessed the union’s bank accounts and transferred funds into his personal accounts, prosecutors said. He used the stolen money to gamble at casinos, pay off credit cards, dine at restaurants and even cover a dental appointment.

“This individual used his position of power to steal nearly $40,000 in funds meant to support his fellow Nogales law enforcement officers,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in an announcement. “It’s unacceptable.”

Investigators found that he misled other board members about how the funds were being used, carrying out 689 unauthorized transactions that amounted to more than half of the organization’s operational budget during that period.

“I’m proud of the work my office did to hold this individual accountable and return these funds to the Nogales Police Officers Association,” Mayes said.

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