PRESS RELEASE

Donald C. Smaltz, Independent Counsel In Re Espy, today made the following statement:

   A federal Grand Jury sitting in the District of Columbia has returned a two- count criminal Indictment against Jack L. Williams. At the time material to the charges of the Indictment, Jack L. Williams was a lobbyist who represented the interests of Tyson Foods, Inc., in Washington D.C. and elsewhere, before various government agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Indictment alleges violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001 and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

   Count One of the Indictment charges the defendant with making material false statements, on or about March 22, 1994, to two agents of the Office of the Inspector General during the course of an investigation within their jurisdiction.

   Count Two of the Indictment charges the defendant with making material false statements, on or about June 9, 1994, to special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

   If convicted under these Counts, the defendant Jack L. Williams could be sentenced to a maximum of five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of up to $250,000 for each Count.

   The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Independent Counsel's investigation is ongoing.