Charlotte, NC, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Cheryl Harris Gates, a 43-year-old employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been charged with attempted murder and multiple other serious offenses. The investigation by CMPD revealed that Gates allegedly poisoned her ex-partner while also accusing her of stalking and contamination of food or drink. The situation raised concerns among parents regarding Gates’ employment amidst these serious allegations, although the incident did not occur on school property and did not involve students or faculty. The CMPD continues to investigate and is seeking public assistance.
Charlotte
Cheryl Harris Gates, a 43-year-old employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been charged with attempted murder along with several other serious offenses. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) initiated an investigation into Gates on Friday, October 10, which led to her arrest and subsequent transfer into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
The charges against Gates include:
- Attempted murder
- Contaminating food or drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless
- Stalking
- Damage to property
Authorities have confirmed that the incident leading to these charges did not occur on school property, and notably, no students, teachers, or faculty were involved. The allegations revolve around Gates allegedly harassing an individual identified as her ex-partner.
Specifically, Gates is accused of attempting to poison this individual, though details regarding the exact type of chemical used in the alleged poisoning have not been disclosed. CMPD has yet to provide clarification on how long their investigation has been ongoing.
Questions regarding Gates’ current employment status with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools remain unanswered. Some parents within the school system have voiced concerns about Gates’ ongoing presence in schools amidst these serious allegations. The investigation remains active, with the CMPD soliciting information from the public as they continue to look into the matter. The CMPD’s domestic violence unit is involved in handling the investigation.
For those with information related to the case, CMPD has provided contact numbers for Detective Bumgarner at (704) 336-2379 and Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.
Background on Cheryl Gates
Gates is a pediatric occupational therapist, with a focus on assisting students who face sensory processing challenges, handwriting difficulties, and executive functioning disorders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University.
For those facing domestic violence situations, resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available at 800-799-7233.
Conclusion
The charges against Gates represent serious allegations that have drawn concern from parents and guardians within the community. As the CMPD continues to investigate, updates will be provided, and community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed.
FAQ
Who is Cheryl Harris Gates?
Cheryl Harris Gates is a 43-year-old employee of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools charged with attempted murder.
What charges has Cheryl Gates faced?
The charges against Gates include attempted murder, contaminating food or drink to render one mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, stalking, and damage to property.
Was the incident connected to the school?
No, the incident leading to the charges did not occur on school property and did not involve students, teachers, or faculty.
What is the nature of the allegations against Gates?
The allegations involve Gates allegedly harassing an individual identified as her ex, including an accusation of attempting to poison this individual.
What should community members do if they have information about the case?
Community members are encouraged to contact Detective Bumgarner at (704) 336-2379 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.
What support is available for individuals facing domestic violence?
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-7233 for those facing domestic violence situations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Cheryl Harris Gates |
| Age | 43 |
| Charges | Attempted murder, contaminating food, stalking, damage to property |
| Involvement of School | No |
| Current Employment Status | Unclear |
| Investigation Unit | CMPD Domestic Violence Unit |
| Public Contact Information | Detective Bumgarner: (704) 336-2379, Crime Stoppers: (704) 334-1600 |
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Additional Resources
- WSOC TV
- WBTV
- WCNC
- Charlotte Observer
- QC News
- Wikipedia: Attempted Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Resources
- Google News: Cheryl Gates
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence
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.
