MEMPHIS, Tenn. – WREG Investigators discovered that the Memphis Police Department requested decertification for a former officer who stole from Crime Stoppers.

Six months after receiving a resignation letter and four months after pleading guilty to a federal charge, the MPD submitted paperwork.

If approved by a state policing board, now-former officer Arica Hutchison would no longer be able to work in law enforcement in the state.

In October, Hutchison was sentenced to six months plus two years of supervised release among other court-ordered requirements. She pleaded guilty in federal court in June for stealing from Crime Stoppers.

MPD has yet to comment, but in the paperwork they submitted, internal affairs stated Hutchinson violated eight department policies. They claimed, “She and a female friend carefully devised and executed a plan to fraudulently obtain money from Crime Stoppers proceeds.”

They added she used “her law enforcement position to obtain the necessary information and collect the tipster funds.”

In a recent interview, Crime Stoppers Executive Director David Wayne Brown said Hutchison worked in the Real Time Crime Center and had been to several group meetings over the years

“She was a trusted individual, and I always thought she was a nice person. I understand she got into some financial difficulties and perhaps that’s what pushed her,” he said.

In all, she reportedly collected 18 to 19 rewards totaling $20,000.

Crime Stoppers said internal safeguards were in place, which raised red flags and launched an FBI investigation within months.

Hutchison had been with MPD for 17 years and was featured on a national show called Policewomen of Memphis.

Hutchison is currently serving her sentence in federal prison.

It’s unclear when her case will go before the state policing board. WREG Investigators will keep you updated.