Dreamstime file photo
Arrests have been made in the theft of more than $30,000 in raw chicken from Perdue’s Milford processing plant.
According to Milford police, an investigation determined that an organized criminal theft operation was allegedly orchestrated by Lorenzo Jones Jr., 40, of Dover. The investigation indicated that Jones had co-conspirators that included Lloyd K. Dukes, 44 of Felton, Kenneth W. Smith, 40, of Felton, and Laroya Buck, 37, of Dover
Milford detectives determined that on numerous occasions, Jones and Dukes, with the assistance of Smith removed cases of raw chicken from the plant. Jones and Dukes would then drive the cases of chicken to a location off Perdue’s property, where Buck would pick them up in a refrigerated box truck. Losses were estimated at more than $30,000.
Earlier this month, Buck was arrested and charged with two counts of Theft of $1500 or Greater and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. She was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on her own recognizance with a no-contact order with Perdue.
Dukes was arrested and charged with seven counts of theft $1,500 or Greater and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.
Jones was arrested and charged with seven counts of Theft $1500 or Greater and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 where he was issued secure bail.
Smith was arrested and charged with five counts of Theft $1500 or Greater and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.
All were issued orders not to enter Perdue property.
The defendants will appear at a later date in the Kent County Court of Common Pleas for a preliminary hearing.
