May 4, 2020 by Marlee McCormick

Former Head of Blue Bell Ice Cream Charged With Conspiracy

(Austin, TX) — The former chief executive of Blue Bell Ice Cream has been charged with criminal conspiracy.

The charge stems from a 2015 listeria outbreak at Blue Bell plants. Paul Kruse is accused of participating in a conspiracy to conceal potential and confirmed listeria contamination in Blue Bell products from certain Blue Bell customers. Ten people fell ill and three died.

Kruse retired in 2017.