An Illinois school worker’s appetite for crime has landed her a 9-year prison sentence. Vera Liddell, 68, pleaded guilty to stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings from Harvey School District 152 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As food service director, Liddell used her position to order and pick up a whopping 11,000 cases of wings between July 2020 and February 2022. She used a school cargo van to collect the food, but prosecutors say not a single wing ever reached students.
The theft went undetected for over a year while schools were closed. Though the district provided meal kits for remote learners, Liddell pocketed the poultry purchases for herself.
A routine audit finally uncovered the scheme when it found food costs were $300,000 over budget with months left in the school year. Liddell, who had worked for the district for 10 years, was arrested and charged with theft and operating a criminal enterprise.
This case exposes how some exploited the chaos of the pandemic for personal gain. While students struggled with remote learning, Liddell abused her position to steal taxpayer funds meant to feed children.
Her lengthy sentence sends a clear message about the consequences of corrupting public office, especially during times of crisis. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability in school districts during the pandemic.
