A former food service director in an Illinois school district has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings.
Vera Liddell, 68, used her position to place unauthorized orders for over 11,000 cases of chicken wings from the district’s supplier between July 2020 and February 2022.
The wings were intended for students’ take-home meals during the pandemic, but Liddell allegedly kept them for herself while still charging the district.
Read: Davenport Man Arrested After Stabbing Roommate Over Fuel Dispute: Polk County Sheriff
The theft was uncovered when the district’s food service department exceeded its annual budget by $300,000 mid-year. Liddell has been charged with theft and operating a criminal enterprise.
Prosecutors highlighted that the fraud occurred during a time when students were learning remotely, and the district was still providing meals for them to pick up.
Liddell had worked at the school district for over a decade.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.