WEST VIRGINIA – A father from Glen Easton, Cody J. Lucey, was arrested and charged with theft after allegedly switching tags on a piece of Grand Champion bacon at a youth farming competition in Marshall County.
The incident occurred during the West Virginia FFA State Ham, Bacon, and Egg Show and Sale at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley on March 10. According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Lucey was caught on surveillance footage removing a Grand Champion-rated piece of bacon, owned by another student (Student A), and replacing its tag with that of his own child (Student B).
The investigation began when Principal Wyatt O’Neil of Cameron High School reported the issue after discovering that Student B had sold the swapped bacon during the show. Student A’s Grand Champion bacon had previously been sold at the Marshall County Sale on March 4 for $935.28, then returned to the school for cutting.
Upon reviewing the bacon, an agriculture teacher found two pieces incorrectly tagged, as they came from the same side of the hog. Surveillance footage from March 7 showed Lucey removing Student A’s bacon from the sold box, switching the tags, and ensuring the swapped bacon was returned to the sale.
Student B then showcased the swapped bacon, won the Grand Champion title, and later sold it at auction for $2,100.
Lucey now faces felony charges for obtaining property under false pretenses and petit larceny. The case has sparked controversy and concern over ethics in youth agricultural competitions.
