CHARLOTTE, NC — A North Carolina school therapist has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and stalking after allegedly trying to poison her ex-husband. Cheryl Gates, 43, was taken into custody on Friday by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
According to an arrest warrant, Gates is accused of contaminating food and drink to incapacitate her estranged partner. The specific chemical used in the alleged poisoning has not been disclosed. Local media reports indicate that she and her husband are separated.
The warrant outlines details leading to the stalking charge. It claims Gates placed a tracking device on her husband’s vehicle, demonstrating a repeated course of conduct that could cause reasonable fear for his safety.
Police identified Gates as an employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), where she works as a pediatric therapist. Officials indicated that the incident occurred off school property and did not involve any students or CMS personnel.
On Friday, detectives from CMPD’s Domestic Violence Unit arrested Gates. In total, she faces four charges: attempted murder, contaminating food and drink, stalking, and property damage. The property damage charge relates to her allegedly breaking a window that is regarded as her ex-husband’s property.
Gates was initially detained on stalking and property damage charges last Tuesday before her arrest on charges of attempted murder on Friday. As of Sunday, she remained in custody while investigations continue.