Vera Liddell, a former food service director for Harvey School District in the United States, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for stealing an astonishing £1.1 million ($1.5 million) worth of chicken wings.
A Shocking Discovery During a Routine Audit
The theft was uncovered during a routine audit, which revealed that the school district had exceeded its annual food budget by a staggering $300,000 (£235,000), despite only being halfway through the fiscal year.
The Pandemic Scheme
The theft occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools were closed, and students were studying remotely.
To ensure that students continued to receive meals, a program was set up allowing families to pick up food boxes.
However, instead of ensuring these meals reached the students, Liddell ordered 11,000 cases of chicken wings from the school’s food supplier, which she collected herself. These wings never made it to the school, nor to the students they were meant to feed.
The Incriminating Evidence
Prosecutors found signed invoices from Liddell, confirming her role in ordering the massive quantities of chicken wings.
Curiously, these wings were never meant to be served to students, as they contained bones—making them unsuitable for school meals.
The sheer volume of wings raises the question of what she intended to do with them, as it would be impossible to consume or distribute them before they spoiled.
The Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Liddell pleaded guilty to the charges of theft. Her actions, which can only be described as “fowl play,” have now resulted in a nine-year prison sentence.
While her exact motives remain unclear, it’s safe to say that her scheme has come to a bitter end.
The Broader Implications of Food Theft
This case is a reminder that food theft, while often seen as petty crime, can escalate to massive financial fraud.
While not everyone has the opportunity to steal £1.1 million worth of chicken wings, the incident highlights the surprising value of food items in the criminal world.
From blocks of cheese locked behind protective barriers in supermarkets to dine-and-dash incidents at restaurants, food theft continues to be a significant issue.
Vera Liddell’s story serves as a cautionary tale of how an obsession, coupled with opportunity, can lead to severe consequences.