Criminal Trial Begins Monday In Blue Bell Listeria Case

Jury selection will begin Monday morning in the government’s prosecution of former Blue Bell President Paul Kruse stemming from a 2015 deadly listeria outbreak linked to the Brenham-based company’s creameries.

Kruse, who is accused of covering up the incident, was indicted in October 2020 on one count of attempt and conspiracy to commit mail fraud and six counts of fraud by wire, radio or television. The government alleges Kruse crafted a written statement that concealed the company’s knowledge that its products tested positive for listeria and instructed his employees to distribute the statement to anyone who asked about the removal of products from shelves.