Sometimes you have to read halfway through a news story to get to the really interesting details. Anyone hungry to learn more about the case of the alleged Coke trade secret thieves, can start reading this AP story at about paragraph 20.
That's where we learn that the FBI was called in by Coke to investigate after Pepsi execs tipped them off that they had received an offer to buy Coke trade secrets. The solicitation came from one of the suspects, who apparently used the fake name "Dirk" while claiming to be a senior Coke executive. Sounds very corporate, doesn't it?
The FBI investigation apparently went on for weeks -- enough time to allegedly catch Joya Williams, an administrative assistant at Coca-Cola, on video tape as she stuffed documents containing trade secrets into her handbag. Could these have contained the secret recipe to Coca-Cola? One can only hope.
But that's not all. Prosecutors also claim she stuck a sample of a new Coca-Cola beverage in her bag that the group was willing to sell to Pepsi. Several transactions took place between the FBI and the two accused men, one involving cash stuffed into Girl Scout cookie boxes handed over at an airport.
I wrote in my first post on this case yesterday that more interesting details would soon emerge and I am not disappointed with what I've learned so far. My only concern: Williams' lawyer likened the case to a "a spy novel." How many writers did she inspire with that line? And I'm already working on my screenplay! Looks like my competition is will be fierce.
Now, back to work...
Dirk: "You got the cash?"
FBI Agent: "Yes Sir. It's right here in this box of Lemon Coolers."
Dirk: "Okay. But next time, make it a box of Tagalongs."
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