Attorney For Woman Who Stole $1.5 Million In Chicken Wings Speaks Out — Claims She Did To Fund Her Gambling Addiction

An attorney for Vera Liddell, the ex-cafeteria consultant from Illinois who received a nine-year prison sentence for stealing $1.5 million in chicken wings from a school district, claims that she stole the money to support her gambling habit.

According to a new report by @people, her attorney, Patrick O’Byrne spoke with them and stated that his client is “a little sweetheart that’s got a gambling problem,” he said. “She feels beyond terrible about this. This is totally uncharacteristic of her. It was the disease taking over.” As we previously reported, the 68-year-old woman entered a guilty plea for a felony theft charge exceeding $1 million and was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison.

RELATED: “I’ll Pay For The Wings” – NFL Star Chris Jones Offers to Pay $1.5 Million to Free Illinois School Worker Sentenced to 9 Years for Stealing Chicken Wings

Liddell was employed as a cafeteria consultant for an Illinois school district when the theft took place, spanning from July 2020 to February 2022, as stated by her other attorney, Gregory LaPapa. He mentioned that the chicken wings were meant for disadvantaged children who were receiving free lunches during the pandemic shutdown. O’Byrne reported that Liddell created fake orders for chicken wings, which she then sold and subsequently spent the earnings on gambling.

Documents reviewed by PEOPLE indicate that she faced financial difficulties, having filed for bankruptcy in Chicago courts at least twice, once in 2009 and again in 2016.

Since then, the case has gained widespread attention, notably drawing interest from NFL star Chris Jones, who expressed a desire to assist Liddell.

“I’ll pay for the wings that she stole to get her free,” the Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle said on X formerly known as Twitter.

RELATED: Illinois School District Teacher Sentenced To 9 Years In Prison For Stealing $1.5 million Worth Of Chicken Wings

O’Byrne mentioned that he was approached by an individual he believes is representing Jones, and he expressed hope that “everything works out so that we can get her out.”

Representatives for Jones confirmed to PEOPLE that they are “in communication with Ms. Liddell’s attorney to gather information regarding the case.”

It remains uncertain if Jones’ offer will influence her sentence. According to her lawyers, they have 30 days from the date of her sentencing to file a motion to overturn her previous plea and request a review.