Food Fiend: School Official Accused Of Stealing $1.5M Worth Of Chicken Wings

One Illinois woman is accused of risking it all to secure a small fortune in the form of chicken wings.

Vera Liddell—the former director of food services at Harvey School District 152, near Chicago—is accused of using her position to secure the wings, which totaled at over $1.5 million.

Vera Liddel Is Accused Of Orchestrating A 19-Month-Long Scheme

Prosecutors argue that, between July 2020 and February 2022, Liddell made hundreds of unauthorized orders at the school district’s expense. Notably, she is accused of ordering 11,000 cases of chicken wings, which ran up a bill of more than $1.5 million, CBS Chicago reports.

The alleged ploy was uncovered after a mid-year audit was conducted, and it was revealed that the food service department was nearly $300,000 over its budget.

An investigation was soon launched, and surveillance footage showed Liddell pulling up to the school’s vendor—Gordon Food Service—in a district cargo van to pick up the fraudulent orders. However, the food items would never make it to the school.

Prosecutors also point out that the school doesn’t even serve chicken wings, as they’re bone-in and could pose a potential risk to students. Additionally, it’s noted that the unauthorized orders were made separately from the legitimate ones.

A former official in a Chicago suburb school district is accused of embezzling $1.5 million worth of chicken wings. https://t.co/BPrsufNoBh

— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 31, 2023

There’s An Ongoing Investigation As Unanswered Questions Remain

Regarding the accusation, Harvey School District 152 Interim Superintendent Lela Bridges noted that there’s an “ongoing investigation.” She also says that the school district is “fully cooperating with the authorities.”

“The district cannot comment at this time because of an ongoing investigation. However, we are fully cooperating with the authorities regarding this matter.”

Prosecutors also note that they aren’t totally sure about what Liddell was doing with her $1.5 million in chicken wings.

While Liddell lost her job, it’s unclear what other repercussions she could potentially face if the accusations are fully substantiated.

What are your thoughts on this alleged chicken wing scheme over in Harvey, Illinois?