Judge Dismisses Tyson Smuggling Charges

A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed immigrant smuggling charges against Tyson Foods Inc. but allowed the trial of the poultry giant to continue on key conspiracy counts.

U.S. District Judge R. Allan Edgar dismissed 15 charges, agreeing with Tyson's attorneys that prosecutors had failed to prove that the company or any managers requested two deliveries of illegal workers from undercover agents posing as smugglers.

Tyson and some former managers are accused of hiring illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America as part of a conspiracy to boost production and profit at the nation's largest poultry processor.

Tyson shares fell 22 cents to $7.40 on the NYSE.

From Associated Press