Charlotte, North Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Cheryl Harris Gates, a school therapist in Charlotte, is facing charges of attempted murder after allegedly spiking her husband’s drink with drugs. Investigators accuse her of conducting research on dangerous drug combinations and purchasing supplies to execute her plan. Following incidents of her husband’s incapacitation, Gates has been charged with attempted murder, stalking, and contaminating food or drink. She remains in custody as her next court date approaches.
Charlotte, North Carolina — Cheryl Harris Gates, a 43-year-old school therapist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly attempting to drug her husband’s drink. According to investigators, Gates is accused of spiking her husband’s Celsius energy drink with prescription medications in a bid to cause incapacitation, which she described as a “blackout condition.”
Between July 8 and September 29, Gates reportedly conducted research on ChatGPT about dangerous drug combinations that could be ingested or injected. Court documents reveal that she purchased various supplies to facilitate her plan, including syringes, a capsule filling kit, and medical droppers.
Her husband reported two incidents of incapacitation, suspecting that foreign substances had been introduced into his drinks on July 12 and August 18. Gates faces additional charges for stalking her husband, which include allegations of breaking a window and placing a tracking device on his vehicle.
Police arrested Gates for stalking and damage to property on October 7, but she was released afterward. However, she was arrested again on October 10 on charges of attempted murder and contaminating food or drink, for which she has been denied bond and remains in custody. Her next court date is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
Clarifying the nature of the incidents, law enforcement confirmed that they occurred outside of school property and did not involve any students, teachers, or faculty members. In light of the incident, a webpage detailing Gates’ role as a pediatric occupational therapist has been removed, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District has not commented on her current employment status.
Similar cases have attracted attention across the country, including a recent incident in Connecticut where a woman was charged with attempting to poison her partner amid a custody dispute.
Charges Against Cheryl Harris Gates
- Attempted murder
- Contaminating food or drink
- Stalking
- Damage to property
Timeline of Events
- July 8 – September 29: Gates conducts research on drug combinations.
- July 12, August 18: Husband experiences incapacitation and suspects poisoning.
- October 7: Gates arrested for stalking and damage to property.
- October 10: Gates arrested again for attempted murder and contaminating food or drink.
- October 14: Gates remains in custody, next court date set for October 30.
Background Context
Cheryl Harris Gates worked with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a pediatric occupational therapist, a position that has come under scrutiny following her charges. Police have emphasized that the alleged drugging incidents did not occur on school grounds, ensuring that no students were involved or endangered as a result of her actions.
This case precedes a nationwide trend where similar incidents have surfaced, highlighting concerns around domestic disputes and possible poisoning cases, like the one in Connecticut linked to child custody battles.
FAQ Section
What charges has Cheryl Harris Gates faced?
Gates has been charged with attempted murder, contaminating food or drink, stalking, and damage to property.
What was the alleged intention behind the drugging?
The intention behind the alleged drugging was to cause a “blackout condition or incapacitation.”
When were the reported incidents of incapacitation?
The incidents were reported on July 12 and August 18.
What was the timeline of Gates’ arrests?
Gates was arrested on October 7 for stalking and damage to property, then arrested again on October 10 for attempted murder and contaminating food or drink.
Is there any involvement of students in this case?
Police confirmed that the alleged incidents occurred off school property and did not involve any students, teachers, or faculty members.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Cheryl Harris Gates, 43, School Therapist |
| Charges | Attempted murder, contaminating food or drink, stalking, damage to property |
| Incident Timeline | Incidents occurred July 12 and August 18; arrests on October 7 and 10 |
| School Involvement | No students or school staff involved; incidents off school property |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte School Employee Charged with Attempted Murder
School Therapist Charged with Attempted Murder in Charlotte
Charlotte Occupational Therapist Charged with Attempted Murder
Pediatric Occupational Therapist Charged with Attempted Murder
Charlotte School Employee Charged with Attempted Murder
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Employee Arrested on Serious Charges
Additional Resources
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
