Gold’n Plump Worker Pleads Guilty To Contaminating Chicken [VIDEO]
COLD SPRING -- A Cold Spring woman accused of purposely contaminating chicken while working at Gold'n Plump has pleaded guilty. Thirty-six-year-old Faye Slye pleaded guilty to two felony counts of criminal damage to property for purposely contaminating chicken at the Cold Spring plant in 2016.
Court records show a worker alerted authorities to chicken that had a dirt or grit-like substance on it. A second, similar incident happened the next day.
According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video showed Slye lagging behind other employees, then removing her gloves and plastic sleeves. Slye is then seen reaching for her shirt pockets before brushing her bare hands near her overshirt.
Authorities collected Slye’s plastic sleeves and found a substance they say is consistent with the contaminated chicken. Investigators say Slye admitted it was sand the first night and dirt the second night.
Records show she collected sand and dirt from the parking lot and put it into a small plastic baggie inside her shirt.
Company officials determined total loss caused by product damage, customer claims, disposal of product inventory, and fees amounted to more than $200,000.
Slye could serve up to 90 days in jail and be forced to pay thousands of dollars in restitution. A judge will determine the jail time and restitution at a sentencing hearing scheduled for a later date.