Immigrant-smuggling case goes to jury

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A federal jury began deliberating Tuesday in the immigrant-smuggling case against poultry giant Tyson Foods.

A Tyson attorney said in closing statements that the nation's largest meat producer and three managers who are co-defendants tried to follow immigration law with a voluntary employment screening program endorsed by the government.

The federal jury began deliberating Tuesday after seven weeks of testimony, but adjourned a short time later.

Since the case began, U.S. District Judge Allan Edgar has dismissed 24 of 36 charges stemming from a three-year undercover investigation of Tyson. Remaining are charges of conspiracy, transporting illegal immigrants and fraudulent documents.

Tyson and three of its managers are accused of seeking illegal immigrants to boost production when they couldn't find Americans willing to work the $7-an-hour jobs. Executives testified the company does not encourage the hiring of illegal workers, and the managers who did so acted against corporate policies.

Six managers were charged with Tyson in a December 2001 indictment. One fatally shot himself a few months later; two others made plea agreements in January and testified for the government.

Robert Hash, 50, a regional vice president and the highest-ranking current Tyson official on trial, faces seven charges, including two conspiracy counts.

A single conspiracy charge remains against plant manager Keith Snyder, 44.

Gerald Lankford, 64, is accused of conspiring to violate immigration laws and obstruct their enforcement.

The managers face jail time and fines if found guilty. If Tyson is found guilty, the company could face millions of dollars in fines.

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Tyson Foods: http://www.tysonfoodsinc.com