In a plot that reads like a fast-food heist gone wrong, former Illinois school employee Vera Liddell has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings. The 68-year-old ex-food service director at Harvey School District 152 carried out her scheme during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From July 2020 to February 2022, Liddell abused her position to order and collect an astounding 11,000 cases of chicken wings. Using a school cargo van, she managed to keep her activities under wraps while schools were shuttered due to the pandemic. Despite the district providing meal kits for remote learners, prosecutors say 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 rigorous oversight in school districts, especially during times of crisis. While students and families struggled with the challenges of remote learning, Liddell exploited the situation 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 unnoticed for so long, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in school district financial systems during the pandemic.
