Charlotte, NC – A North Carolina school therapist is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and stalking, after authorities say she tried to poison her estranged husband and secretly tracked his movements using a device attached to his vehicle.
Allegations of Poisoning and Harassment
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), 43-year-old Cheryl Gates was arrested on Friday, October 10, following a months-long investigation. Police allege Gates attempted to poison her ex-husband by contaminating his food or drink with an unknown chemical substance meant to render him “mentally incapacitated or physically helpless.”
Court records reveal that Gates was also accused of placing a tracking device on her ex-husband’s car, monitoring his movements, and repeatedly harassing him. The warrant described a pattern of obsessive behavior that caused the victim to fear for his safety.
“The defendant unlawfully and willfully did without legal purpose, on more than one occasion, harass the victim by placing a tracking device on his vehicle,” the warrant stated.
Police Statement and Arrest
CMPD detectives from the Domestic Violence Unit confirmed Gates’ arrest in an official press release, noting that the incident did not occur on school grounds and no students or staff were involved.
“On Friday, Oct. 10, detectives with CMPD’s Domestic Violence Unit located and arrested Gates,” the department said. “This incident occurred off school property and did not involve any student, teacher or facility.”
Gates, identified as a pediatric therapist employed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), was taken into custody and booked into jail, where she remains as of Sunday.
Four Serious Criminal Charges
Authorities have charged Gates with four counts, including:
- Attempted murder
- Contaminating food and drink to render a person incapacitated
- Stalking
- Property damage
The property damage charge reportedly stems from Gates breaking a window belonging to her ex-husband.
She was first arrested on October 7 on the stalking and property damage charges but was later released on bond. Two days later, she was rearrested when police added the attempted murder and poisoning counts.
Community Reaction
The news shocked parents and staff across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district. Many expressed disbelief that someone working in a mental health role could face such grave accusations.
“It’s definitely surprising that somebody in that capacity that is there to help others would do something, that type of crime, especially,” said Quemella Holland, a CMS parent who spoke to WSOC-TV.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials say the investigation remains active, with detectives continuing to gather evidence about the alleged poisoning attempt and harassment campaign. It’s currently unclear whether Gates remains employed by CMS or has been placed on administrative leave.
CMPD has not released details about the chemical substance involved or the extent of the ex-husband’s injuries, if any.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Gates will appear before a Mecklenburg County judge this week for a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek an indictment for the attempted murder charge.
If convicted, Gates could face decades in prison, given the severity of the allegations and the felony nature of the charges.
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