In a case that’s giving new meaning to “chicken run,” former Illinois school worker Vera Liddell has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for an audacious $1.5 million chicken wing theft. The 68-year-old ex-food service director at Harvey School District 152 near Chicago cooked up her scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of school closures to line her own nest.
From July 2020 to February 2022, Liddell abused her position to order and collect an eye-popping 11,000 cases of chicken wings. Using a school cargo van and the cover of providing meal kits for remote learners, she managed to keep her activities under wraps for over a year. Prosecutors say that despite the volume of food ordered, students never saw a single stolen wing.
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 underscores the need for stringent oversight in school districts, especially during times of crisis. While students and families struggled with the challenges of remote learning, Liddell saw an opportunity for personal gain. Her lengthy sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of corrupting public office and misusing funds meant for children’s education and nutrition.
The case also raises questions about how such a large-scale theft could go undetected for so long, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in school district financial systems during the pandemic.
