2 Tyson Executives Convicted

A federal jury today convicted two Tyson Foods Inc. executives of some charges stemming from an investigation into gifts the company provided to former Agricuture Secretary Mike Espy and his girlfriend.

Tyson lobbyist Jack Williams was convicted of two counts of lying to investigators but was found innocent of two counts of giving illegal gifts. Corporate spokesman Archie Schaffer III was convicted of two counts of giving illegal gifts but acquitted of a third gift count.

A four-year independent counsel investigation concluded the two men knew they were breaking federal laws banning gifts to agriculture officials and that they tried to cover it up.

The jury deliberated about six hours over two days following a nine-day trial that included testimony about trips, football tickets and limousine rides that cost the company an estimated $12,000.

Schaffer faces up to five years in prison when U.S. District Judge James Robertson sentences both men Sept. 10. Williams faces up to 10 years.

Jurors convicted Schaffer on charges he illegally squired Espy and friends to an expenses-paid dinner during President Clinton's inauguration week in January 1993 and took Espy and his girlfriend to a birthday party for Tyson's chairman in Arkansas five months later. Schaffer was acquitted of violating a federal meat inspection act by giving gifts to Espy on that same trip.

Jurors acquitted Williams in connection with Espy and a girlfriend's invitations to a Dallas Cowboys football game in January 1994 but found he lied to the FBI later that year.

Lawyers for both men said they will appeal. They have also asked the judge to dismiss the case, but he has not yet ruled.

"Obviously we're disappointed," Schaffer said outside the courtroom. Neither Schaffer nor Williams showed emotion when the verdict was announced.

The two were accused of trying to use gifts to gain favor with Espy while the Agriculture Department considered important new food processing regulations in 1993 and 1994.

"This sort of activity will not be tolerated," prosecutor Robert Ray said afterward.

Independent Counsel Donald Smaltz named Don Tyson and his son, Vice Chairman John Tyson, as unindicted co-conspirators in the case.

Robertson threw out conspiracy charges against Williams and Schaffer this week, along with mail and wire fraud charges.

Written by Anne Gearan
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