North Carolina School Therapist Accused of Poisoning Husband After Allegedly Researching Lethal Drugs on ChatGPT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina occupational therapist employed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after authorities say she drugged her husband’s energy drink following online research into lethal poisons using ChatGPT.
Investigators: Therapist Used AI to Research Poisons
According to court documents obtained by the New York Post, 43-year-old Cheryl Harris Gates allegedly conducted multiple searches between July 8 and Sept. 29 for “lethal” and “incapacitating” drug combinations that could be injected or consumed.
Authorities say she later used that information to spike her husband’s Celsius energy drink with prescription medications, allegedly intending to incapacitate or kill him.
Investigators uncovered syringes, droppers, capsule-filling equipment, medications, and scales at her home workspace. The materials were described as part of a deliberate poisoning attempt that had been planned for weeks.
Victim Reported Feeling Drugged Twice
The victim — Gates’ estranged husband — told police he experienced two separate instances of sudden incapacitation after consuming beverages she had given him on July 12 and August 18. He also reported finding a “foreign substance” in his drink.
At the time, the couple was living separately.
Following the investigation, Gates was arrested on Friday and charged with attempted first-degree murder and contaminating food or drink with intent to cause harm.
Employment and School District Response
Gates, described as a redheaded therapist, worked as an occupational therapist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Following her arrest, her staff webpage was removed from the district’s website.
The district did not immediately respond to media requests for comment, though some parents voiced concern over her employment history.
“She never should have been around kids at all,” said parent Laurie Leebrick in an interview with WSOC-TV, adding that “better background checks” were needed for school employees.
Additional Charges and Arrest Details
Court filings show Gates was previously arrested days earlier for stalking and property damage, including allegedly placing a tracking device on her husband’s vehicle and breaking a window on his property. She was initially released from Mecklenburg County Jail but was later denied bond following the latest arrest.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Gates remains in custody as the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office prepares formal charges. Investigators continue reviewing digital and physical evidence, including the AI-related search history central to the case.
Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is urged to contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.
Readers can follow developing crime stories and legal updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
