Phoenix police officer quits after being charged with fraud

Resignation after indictment

PHOENIX, Ariz. (AP) — A Phoenix police officer has resigned after being indicted on charges accusing her and a co-defendant of defrauding the federal government of over $1.2 million of pandemic relief money.

Court records say Toni Richardson was arrested Dec. 1 on a Nov. 23 indictment charging her with conspiracy, bank fraud and money laundering.

A police spokesman says Richardson resigned after the Police Department learned of the allegations and began the process of terminating her.

Richardson has pleaded not guilty.

Lloyd Tate, a lawyer listed in court records as representing Richardson, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations.