Worker Charged With Contaminating Chicken
ST. CLOUD -- A Cold Spring woman is accused of purposely contaminating chicken while at work in 2016.
Thirty-six-year-old Faye Slye has been charged with two felony counts of criminal damage to property for allegedly contaminating chicken at Gold'n Plump in Cold Spring.
Court records show a worker alerted authorities to chicken that had a dirt or grit-like substance on it last June. 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 is scheduled to appear in Stearns County District Court April 3rd.