James Beard Foundation's Len Pickell Pleads Guilty

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Yesterday, Len Pickell, former president of the James Beard Foundation, pled guilty to grand larceny of over $50,000 over the last 10 years before the State Supreme Court of Manhattan, as reported around the nation and even around the world by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Post, Newsday, The Guardian (UK), San Jose Mercury News, Seattle Post Intelligencer -- even WIRED Magazine online. He did this by writing James Beard Foundation checks for personal credit card debts, taking money from petty cash, and forging documents to claim reimbursement of expenses. Although the indictment extended beyond grand larceny to possession of forged instruments and an amount of more than $1 million, the attorney general's office stated it would pursue no further prosecution. As matters stand, Len Pickell faces a maximum prison sentence of 5-15 years on March 23, 2005. Earlier this month, the James Beard Foundation's board announced there would be no board changes, according to The New York Times. However, the attorney general's charities bureau is continuing its civil investigation of the foundation, The Times reported today. I have a number of reactions to this development. First, Len was always very kind to me (as has everyone been at the James Beard Foundation). He was helpful for my Celebrity Chefs column at Forbes. He was also hospitable -- I last saw him in New York over a lunch at Alfred Portale's Gotham Bar & Grill (his invitation -- were this and lunches with others part of this case?) about my then-forthcoming book Super Chef. I am sorry to hear this news about him and sorry for the tremors he has sent rippling around the country. I am also concerned about the James Beard Foundation. A number of Hollywood talent agents whom I interviewed talked about the James Beard Awards as the obvious Food equivalent of the Oscars. Alternative food awards do exist, and further alternatives are being considered (I have a number in mind myself) -- and the reputation of the James Beard Foundation may really suffer as a result of this case. What a shame! The Hillaire Belloc verses I cited in an earlier article about Rocco DiSpirito seem apt again here.