A Hormel Foods Corp.

Thursday, June 22, 2000

A Hormel Foods Corp. computer technician has been arrested in connection with the theft of an estimated $217,000 worth of computer equipment from the firm.

Richard Jacobson, 46, of 1102 Fourth Ave. NW, was charged with 11 felony counts in connection with the thefts.

According to the Austin Police Department, Jacobson was arrested, booked and released on his own recognizance Tuesday.

The investigation began June 7, when Hormel Foods Corp. reported the missing equipment to Austin police.

"Hormel Foods Corp. is obviously saddened that a long-time employee would take advantage of his position of trust," said V. Allan Krejci, vice president of public relations. "As soon as we learned of the problem, we investigated the matter internally and turned the results of our investigation over to the authorities.

"At this time, Mr. Jacobson is no longer an employee of the company. At this time, we understand the matter is still the subject of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Austin Police Department. Accordingly, we do not wish to comment further."

The first search warrant executed at his Austin residence resulted in the recovery of between $10,000 and $12,000 worth of computer equipment. Another $50,000 worth of computer hardware was recovered when a second search warrant was executed Tuesday.

The thefts apparently date back to November 1998, according to the criminal complaint filed against Jacobson, a 27-year veteran employee of Hormel Foods.

Jacobson, a senior computer technician at Hormel, had a "blanket" purchase order for repair parts at his disposal and allegedly used it to purchase laptop computers and digital video editing equipment, as well as other electronic items for relatives, friends and neighbors.

It is unknown whether he sold the items for profit or simply gave them away. He has said that he gave some away to charities.

The complaint alleges one count of felony theft and 10 others of corporate theft.