In a case that’s ruffling feathers across Illinois, former school worker Vera Liddell has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for an outrageous $1.5 million chicken wing theft. The 68-year-old ex-food service director at Harvey School District 152 near Chicago hatched her plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploiting school closures to carry out her fowl scheme.
From July 2020 to February 2022, Liddell used her position to order and pick up a staggering 11,000 cases of chicken wings. Under the cover of providing meal kits for remote learners, she used a school cargo van to transport her ill-gotten gains. Prosecutors say that despite the volume of food ordered, not a single wing ever made it to the students it was meant to feed.
The massive theft only came to light during a routine audit that found food costs were $300,000 over budget with months left in the school year. Liddell, who had worked for the district for a decade, was arrested and charged with theft and operating a criminal enterprise in January 2023.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining strong oversight and accountability measures, even during times of crisis. While students and families grappled with the challenges of remote learning, Liddell saw an opportunity for personal enrichment. Her lengthy sentence serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of abusing public trust and misusing taxpayer funds meant for children’s education and nutrition.
The case also raises questions about potential vulnerabilities in school district financial systems during the pandemic and the need for more robust checks and balances.
