Essay, Research Paper: Meat Inspection

Meat Inspectors Case


Ed Wywiorski worked as a USDA meat inspector for 42 years when he
was indicted, along with 39 other inspectors, for "accepting things of
value," or "accepting bribes"(353). Immediately, all 40 inspectors were
suspended without pay. The USDA office gave the inspectors a written
notice of their suspension and 48 hours to respond. However, several of
the inspectors appealed to the Civil Service Commission stating that it
was illegal to suspend them before they had been tried or convicted of
the crimes. Six inspectors were allowed to return to work until the end
of the trial.
Ed Wywiorski's trial began the following April. He was indicted
on eight charges of receiving meat, but four of the counts were dropped.
There were three witnesses who testified at his trial who claimed that
they gave Wywiorski four bundles of meat. The most damaging testimony
came from John McNeil, who was working at Colonial Provision Company, in
quality control. McNeil produced four cards, one for each transaction,
which included information such as the amount of meat, the date, and the
inspector's initials. These four cards had Wywiorski's initials on
them(353). Ed accepted an offer to plead guilty to these charges and in
return the prosecution would recommend two years probation and a fine.
However, judge Caffrey sentenced Ed to one year in prison and a $1,000
fine(354). Most of the inspectors that were indicted were found guilty
based on the testimony of John McNeil, and given a sentence of serving
time in prison.