A former food service director from Harvey School District 152 in Illinois has been sentenced to nine years in prison for embezzling $1.5 million (approximately Ksh. 193 million) worth of chicken wings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vera Liddell, 68, was convicted of stealing the massive quantity of poultry while serving as the district’s food service director from July 2020 to February 2022.
The Scheme Unfolded
During the pandemic, when schools were closed and students were learning remotely, Harvey School District 152 continued to provide meals for families. The meals were available for pickup, a crucial service for many families struggling during the crisis. Liddell, who was responsible for placing orders with the district’s food supplier, Gordon Food Services, exploited her position to orchestrate an elaborate theft.
According to prosecutors, Liddell placed orders for more than 11,000 cases of chicken wings—far beyond what would be necessary for the district’s meal programs. The cases were picked up using a district cargo van and transported to undisclosed locations. Despite the remote learning environment, where the demand for such food items was minimal, Liddell continued to place and fulfill these excessive orders.
Discovery and Investigation
The fraudulent activity came to light in 2023, following an audit that revealed the district’s food service budget had exceeded its annual allocation by $300,000 (about Ksh. 38 million) halfway through the school year. The discrepancy prompted further investigation, leading to the discovery of the suspicious invoices for chicken wings—an unusual item for the district’s meal program, as they were not typically served to students due to their bone content.
The district’s business manager became suspicious upon noting the frequent and sizable orders for chicken wings. This led to an investigation that uncovered Liddell’s theft operation. Court records reveal that Liddell was well-known for her large purchases of chicken wings, which eventually raised red flags.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In August 2023, Liddell pleaded guilty to charges of theft and operating a criminal enterprise. The court’s sentencing reflected the gravity of her crimes, with Liddell receiving a nine-year prison sentence. The judge’s decision underscored the serious impact of her actions, which not only defrauded the school district but also occurred during a time of significant hardship for many families.
“The massive fraud began at the height of COVID during a time when students were not allowed to be physically present in school,” stated the proffer presented at Liddell’s bond hearing in 2023. This statement highlighted the severity of the breach of trust during a period when community support was paramount.
Impact and Reflection
Liddell’s theft not only drained significant resources from the school district but also undermined the integrity of a crucial public service during a pandemic. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in systems meant to support the community, particularly during times of crisis. The investigation and subsequent legal actions emphasize the importance of oversight and accountability in public sector roles.
As Liddell begins her prison sentence, the Harvey School District and its community are left to grapple with the repercussions of the stolen funds and the breach of trust. The case also prompts a broader reflection on the measures needed to prevent such abuses of power in the future and to ensure that resources meant for those in need are safeguarded against fraudulent activities.
